February 17
Finding Peace
in God’s Presence
“Lord, I will lie down and sleep in peace. You alone keep me safe.”
Psalm 4:8 (NIrV)
Madeleine sat in her hospital room, the rhythmic beeping of machines filling the silence. Just a month ago, she had been busy planning her retirement, dreaming of trips to the countryside and days spent painting. But now, a terminal diagnosis had shattered those dreams.
Her emotions swung wildly—fear, anger, sadness. How could life change so quickly? Every night was the hardest. Alone with her thoughts, she found herself spiraling into despair.
One sleepless night, Madeleine reached for the small Bible her sister had left on her bedside table. Flipping through the pages, her eyes landed on Psalm 4:8: “Lord, I will lie down and sleep in peace. You alone keep me safe.”
She read the verse again and again. How could she find peace in the face of death? Could she trust that God would truly keep her safe, even now?
Madeleine closed the Bible and prayed for the first time in years. “God, I don’t understand why this is happening, but I’m tired of being afraid. Please give me peace. Help me trust You.”
In the days that followed, something began to shift. Though her circumstances hadn’t changed, Madeleine felt a growing sense of calm. She started sharing her faith with the nurses and even joined a small prayer group at the hospital.
One evening, as the sun set outside her window, Madeleine smiled. The future was uncertain, but she no longer felt alone. God’s peace had replaced her fear, reminding her that His presence was her safe place.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for being our refuge in times of trouble.
When fear overwhelms us, remind us that You alone can bring peace to our hearts.
Like Madeleine, help us to trust in Your presence and find rest in Your promises.
Teach us to rely on You, even when life feels uncertain.
Fill us with Your peace and guide us to share it with others.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
