By Peggy Young of Independence, Missouri, USA

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

Every day on my way to work, I would drive through the Little Blue River valley. One day, as I came over the rise on the east side of the valley, a winding white cloud rose above the narrow river. As my car curved down the hill, I wondered how thick the fog would be on the road below, along the river.

At the bottom of the hill, only a light film of mist surprised me. It scarcely obscured my visibility. The sun shone right through the cloud, lighting the way and evaporating the moisture still hanging like a thread in the air.

I thought, how like life that is. We see clouds on the horizon and worry that when they arrive in our lives, everything will be gray and dark. We fear becoming lost in the mist of impending troubles. Yet when the event arrives, it often turns out to be not nearly as dark as we feared. And even if it is, we know the Son is beyond every cloudbank, continually trying to shine through and light our way, even in the darkest circumstances. We have only to call on him to help guide us to peace.

Prayer Phrase

“…my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).

Spiritual Practice

Light

Close your eyes and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.