READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; JOHN 14:26-27; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-13

Relax your shoulders. Take a deep breath, and let out the tension you’ve been holding. Feel any better?

God calls Himself our Comforter. In John 14:26, Jesus calls the Holy Spirit Paraklētos, which can be translated helper, advocate, counselor—or comforter. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 1:3, Paul praises God the Father as “the God of all comfort.” One way God acts as our Comforter is by giving us His peace. This is a peace for the soul that goes beyond our understanding—showing up even when we face situations that are anything but peaceful.

Have you ever encountered someone who has lost a loved one, yet they speak about feeling God’s peace? This doesn’t mean they aren’t grieving, or that they feel no emotion. Rather, God’s peace is a way He meets His children in the midst of their grief.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus calls all people to come to Him for rest. This is a rest that goes beyond a simple power nap. God’s rest is a deep rest for your soul. It’s a rest rooted in the fact that we are saved through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and because He died and rose again, everyone who puts their trust in Him has peace with God (Isaiah 9:6; Romans 5:1). We can rest in Jesus’s promises to be with us no matter what—and to one day make all things new, free from sin and death and all the suffering sin causes (Matthew 28:20; Revelation 21:1-5).

So today, consider taking a moment to just rest in God’s peace. Whatever you go through—times of stress, grief, or discontentment; times of rejoicing, celebration, or worship; and everything in between—you can know that Jesus loves and comforts you, always. • Naomi Zylstra

• Have you ever experienced peace beyond understanding in your own life, or seen it in someone else’s life? What was that like?

• What kinds of things have been causing you stress or worry lately? Consider taking a moment to talk to God about whatever is on your mind. (Philippians 4:6-7)

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (CSB)