PEACE
(DAY 7 of 7) Tay Volkens
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” - John 14:27 NIV
Think
My utter distaste for turbulence began at the age of nine after my inaugural solo flight was swallowed by black clouds, lightning, and drops that convinced me my end credits were rolling.
Fast forward years later: another experience of a white-knuckled grip on an armrest as the plane shook, lights flickered, and my mind raced wondering if I was about to put on a spectacle from seat 14B. While asking the Holy Spirit for peace, a memory broke through: laughing hysterically on a rollercoaster with my best friends. That’s when it hit me—I immediately closed my eyes, pretending to be back on that ride. I felt myself begin smiling, and Jesus’ peace wash over me. The moment I decided to take my fear captive, I no longer felt gripped by it.
The only power fear has over us is the power we give it. As children of God, fear has no hold on us unless we give it the reins.
When we choose to fix our eyes and hearts on things above (Colossians 3:1–2), to pray about everything, and to posture our hearts with gratitude, then the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7); If Jesus is “the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:9), and we “have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16), and we’ve not been given a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)—but rather, “we live by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25), and the fruit of the Spirit does not include fear (Galatians 5:22–23)—then we can live with confidence, joy, and peace, knowing we no longer have to be bound by fear.
The peace Jesus gives us is different from “the peace” the world offers; His transcends all understanding—we don’t have to understand to experience it. The moment we give our lives to Christ, this promised gift is ours.
Jesus has opened the prison doors—we just have to choose to walk out.
Fast forward years later: another experience of a white-knuckled grip on an armrest as the plane shook, lights flickered, and my mind raced wondering if I was about to put on a spectacle from seat 14B. While asking the Holy Spirit for peace, a memory broke through: laughing hysterically on a rollercoaster with my best friends. That’s when it hit me—I immediately closed my eyes, pretending to be back on that ride. I felt myself begin smiling, and Jesus’ peace wash over me. The moment I decided to take my fear captive, I no longer felt gripped by it.
The only power fear has over us is the power we give it. As children of God, fear has no hold on us unless we give it the reins.
When we choose to fix our eyes and hearts on things above (Colossians 3:1–2), to pray about everything, and to posture our hearts with gratitude, then the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7); If Jesus is “the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:9), and we “have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16), and we’ve not been given a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)—but rather, “we live by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25), and the fruit of the Spirit does not include fear (Galatians 5:22–23)—then we can live with confidence, joy, and peace, knowing we no longer have to be bound by fear.
The peace Jesus gives us is different from “the peace” the world offers; His transcends all understanding—we don’t have to understand to experience it. The moment we give our lives to Christ, this promised gift is ours.
Jesus has opened the prison doors—we just have to choose to walk out.
Act
This week, every time fear rises up, pause and replace it with truth. Write down one verse about peace (like John 14:27 or Philippians 4:6–7), speak it out loud, and thank Jesus for the peace He gives.
Pray
Jesus, thank you for your perfect peace. Remind me that you are with me, and that if I have you, I have nothing to fear—no matter what my circumstances. In Your name, amen.
Worship
Spend some time worshiping the Lord
Share
Take a moment to reflect.
Maybe He’s brought peace, clarity, conviction, healing, provision, or a renewed hunger for Him. Share what you’re experiencing, even if it feels small. Writing it down helps you notice God’s work. It turns “that was a nice moment” into “God actually met me here.”
We’ll be praying with you, and your testimony can build faith in others.
Maybe He’s brought peace, clarity, conviction, healing, provision, or a renewed hunger for Him. Share what you’re experiencing, even if it feels small. Writing it down helps you notice God’s work. It turns “that was a nice moment” into “God actually met me here.”
We’ll be praying with you, and your testimony can build faith in others.
You are doing great! Keep showing up!