Clarity and Peace in the Clutter of Life - Your Nightly Prayer - July 15th

Keri Eichberger

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Your Nightly Prayer

Clarity and Peace in the Clutter of Life
by Keri Eichberger

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

"For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end." - Psalm 48:14

SOMETHING TO PONDER

There’s something about the start of summer that deposits instant clutter into my mind. Which, of course, then spills throughout my soul and spirit, leaving me smothered away from all peace. And I don’t know about you, but peace is my lifeline. A commodity that, when lacking, makes clarity of thought nearly impossible to obtain. Life is continually wild and unpredictable, like a roller coaster of repeating loops. And if it weren’t for the peace I keep returning to, I’m not sure I could withstand the rough ride. Yes, a calm center is essential for me to persevere onward. And when I’m free-falling at peak heights, I certainly struggle to think straight enough to find my way toward a speck of serenity. Like the abrupt early days of summer, when I was slammed with all five kids first joining my daytime hours. And between my husband and I working from home, highschool graduation and party prep, our son still in high school baseball playoffs, our teen daughters’ needing multiple rides a day to work, sports, and friends’, and the twins demanding something fun to do non stop, where would I ever find my peace amidst the clutter?

I know you’ve had your own share of moments when peace and clarity were lacking. In fact, some of us seem to live in a perpetual state of chaos. And others have even given up on the idea that peace and clarity can ever again exist in their lives—the ones who have become completely accustomed to this scrambled state. Regardless of where you find yourself on the overflowing-to-do-list scale, I’m sure you have schedules full of appointments, never-ending housework, family who can’t get enough of you, a church that needs you, or just too much of something that’s begging for your time and attention. And I bet you try to do it all and then some. But your brain and body are filled to the brim. Maybe you’re also having a hard time thinking clearly and are dying for peace that you know would relieve the pressure.

Time for a friendly note-to-self reminder that there is a solution. And you probably know where I’m going with this. Yes, you probably know that God is the answer. That he is the one who has the peace and clarity you need. But I think there’s a misconception here. The false notion that we can only gain these sweet assets when our circumstances are calmer. That we can only think if we can be swept off to an isolated beach by ourselves for a long stretch of time. And while I certainly do find it there too, I’ve learned we can also find peace in the middle of the messy moments. Because it’s true, God is the answer. Because he’s always there, he’s with me when I’m breathing in the sweet sea air, and he’s with me when I’m upside down on the roller coasters of life, too just like he’s there every moment with you.

When you feel like you can’t think, God is still guiding you. When you feel like peace is nonexistent, his presence is still just one prayer away. One inhale of acknowledgement of his peace away, even to the end. I know it’s not always easy to do or to remember. But maybe this reminder will serve you right now and tomorrow. Pause, breathe in his presence, and let it clear the clutter in your mind and heart. The more we acknowledge him… the more peace will swell in our soul.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

God of Peace,
Your ever-presence is an invaluable gift. A blessing I fail to acknowledge at times. Times when life feels out of control and overflowing with too much. Lord, help me to remember your peace is just a prayer away. Help me pause in the midst of the clutter and call on your constant calming comfort. Thank you for being my God forever and ever and for guiding me even to the end.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Are you feeling cluttered in your mind and lacking peace in your soul?

2. Have you been periodically pausing in prayer for God’s peace?

3. Take a moment right now to call on God for clarity and calm, and then thank him for always being there to offer his peace.

Keri Eichberger is a Jesus-loving Kentucky girl. She is married to her best friend, Mike, and has a full house of five kids. After years of writing for an online audience, Keri became ordained through Southeast Christian Church, giving her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes, and has a passion for sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at KeriEichberger.com or Instagram.