3 Reasons "Protecting Your Peace" Isn't Selfish, It's Biblical - The Crosswalk Devotional - October 27

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3 Reasons "Protecting Your Peace" Isn't Selfish, It's Biblical
By: Lia Girard

Bible Reading:
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. – Luke 5:16, NIV 

“Protecting my peace” is a popular saying these days. Possibly because in a world that’s developing at warp speed, peace feels harder to find, and nearly impossible to guard and honor. Sometimes “I’m protecting my peace” is the only way you and I know how to say, “I’m exhausted and can’t think straight,” or even “I need to figure out a sleep schedule.” 

But beyond any scattered desires to turn down noise or declutter, protecting the gift of peace that Jesus provides is far more than simple self-care. It’s a sacred practice that invites you to experience a peace that surpasses understanding. And to help you grasp the importance of protecting this peace, here are three of many reasons Jesus modeled it in the Bible.

1. Jesus chose peace to reconnect with God.

Luke 5:16 says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” This tiny-but-mighty eight-word bit of scripture proves that even God prioritizes peaceful solitude—so you can, too. Jesus encourages you to remove yourself from crowded, overstimulating, demanding places, to go somewhere alone.

Following Jesus’ example, you can use this alone time to recenter yourself and reconnect your heart to God’s will. When the only sound is your prayer or your breath, you may more easily sense his supernatural presence. Here, you can ask God to refill your empty spirit and tend to your weary soul. Protect this habit of going to a quiet place to pray, because it reminds you that you can rely on God to lift your heavy burdens.

2.  Jesus still slept amid the storm.

If you wonder whether getting enough sleep is important for your faith journey, just look to Jesus’ example in the book of Mark. In the middle of a “furious squall” while waves careened over their boat, Mark 4:38-40 says:

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

I love that Jesus lives out what he teaches. His burning question to disciples who were panicking and wondering if God even cares was, “Do you still have no faith?” I like to believe that this is Jesus’ best living proof of Psalm 4:8, which says, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." 

When you don’t allow yourself the peace of sleep because you choose to fret, you’re missing out on an opportunity to exercise your faith. 

3. Jesus held onto the truth in silence, instead of being triggered into a fight.

In the book of Matthew, when Jesus is being cruelly and falsely accused in front of Pilate, Jesus chooses not to fight back. Matthew 27:12-14 describes the scene:

When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.

Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?”

But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

In a violent and evil event such as this, Jesus knew his accusers had no genuine desire to know the truth. He knew launching into any verbal defense would not change their hearts. Remaining silent is a bold demonstration of something I always like to say to my kids: “The truth is your strength.” 

Jesus demonstrates that he had no ego to defend. So he remains at peace and allows his accusers to expose their maniacal malice. He refuses to get riled up by a trial rigged against him. His silence proves that remaining peaceful is courageous protection of inner resolve. 

So if you ever feel your calm getting tossed around by demands, circumstances, or lies, know that God is offering you a way out. You can choose to protect the peace he gives you.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you think about ways you can reconnect with God and reorient your heart toward faith (instead of fear or anger), consider these questions:

• What time of day or evening can I set aside to be alone with God?
• What fear am I holding tightly that I can instead place in God’s hands?
• What healthy boundary can I establish for myself so that I can communicate clearly, rather than simply argue?

Further Reading:
Hebrews 13:5
John 2:24-25
Romans 12:2
Romans 12:19

Go Deeper: Is Your Ambition God-Honoring?

Is your ambition God-honoring? How do you know when godly ambition has slipped into vainglory? We explore that and more in today's episode. Like what you hear? Follow Bought + Beloved with Kirby Kelly on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!

Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/BartekSzewczyk 

Lia Girard is a seasoned writer, poet, and voice artist who formerly served as Faith Editor for Crosswalk.com and currently co-hosts the "Your Daily Prayer" podcast on Lifeaudio. She also shares her nature-inspired poetry on Instagram @wildpeace.poetry, and offers peaceful reflections on healing and hope through her “Heart of a Wildflower” podcast. Lia enjoys life with her husband and grown children, and walking in the woods with God.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

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