Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” That literally means to let peace be the judge who decides how you’ll face every circumstance. His peace stands between you and the most overwhelming moments, and declares you don’t have to let fear control your heart and mind. His peace empowers your heart to see with courage and confidence, and equips your mind to be continually renewed in his faith, hope, and love.
I’m praying for miraculously little damage, but no matter what the wind and water do, in God’s grace and strength, we will heal the wounded, restore what’s been lost, and rebuild what’s been broken. Let’s keep praying for people and their property to be safe and sound, and for strength, wisdom, and protection for the amazing first responders. Pray for fires in California to die, floods to dry up in the Southeast, and for every kind of storm to submit to peace. As you’re praying, let his peace so invade your heart you can clearly hear his voice of encouragement judge every anxious thought.
“Don’t be anxious about anything, but instead pray about in everything with thankfulness. Let your heart’s desires be made known to God, and his peace, which is far beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
“Be strong and courageous. Do not live in fear or dread, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you” (Isaiah 41:10a).
“The pangs of death surrounded me, and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God. He heard my voice . . . and he drew me out of the flood waters. He brought me out into a place of safety and freedom. He delivered me because He delighted in me” (Psalm 18 :4, 6, 16, 19).
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).
“Come to me, all who are exhausted from laboring under heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take up My yoke with me instead, and learn from me, for I am gentle and tender hearted. In me, you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
“I’m giving you a gift—peace of mind and heart, a kind of peace the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
“I am convinced nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces a life-perspective of hope that enables you to endure. And let that perspective have its perfect result, so that you may be complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).
Equip Your Spirit 