The Peace That Saved My Life
“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” — Isaiah 30:18
my story
I remember, as a suicidal fourteen-year-old boy, the profound words that entered the room and gave me life. With my hands clenched in anger and nowhere to turn, I thought about taking my own life. Then, a voice came over my spirit—so empathetic it was as if my mom were in the room—and gently whispered, "Go get the Bible."
I stubbornly refused, but after the voice nudged me again, I reluctantly went to my closet and pulled out my Bible. I flipped through its dusty pages and cried out to anyone listening, angrily admitting that the words didn’t make sense at all!
As I sat there crying with the Bible open, my fourteen-year-old ears received something so profound that my blood seemed to pump with purpose again. For six months in my new home, I had been more alone than ever before, and I demanded—through colorful expletives—for God to tell me where my father was. But after I read these words and pondered that question, what felt like a hand rested on my shoulder, and these life-giving words covered my cold body with heavenly warmth,
"You have a Father. I am your Father. I have always loved you, and I will never stop loving you. And one day, I am going to use you for something special."
His voice, His peace, His presence—they resuscitated my soul. My life turned around instantly, all because I finally understood the power of a Father's love and a Father's presence.
At that moment, I realized that the five years of trauma I had endured—losing my mom tragically to a falling tree limb after my parents' divorce, suffering sexual, verbal, and physical abuse, and being tossed from home to home—were not caused by God. He was never far away. He had been with me every step of the way—angry at the abuse, heartbroken at the pain, but always waiting with open, loving arms to receive me when I turned to Him.
Do you have to go through trauma to understand the love and presence of God? NO!
So receive these words today, and let's dive into today's reading to observe a God who longs to give you peace in His presence.
Observations: Where Is God in Hard Seasons?
Difficult seasons can make us feel abandoned and God feel far. We ask:
Where is God? Why is this happening? Does He see me? Does anyone see me?
Isaiah 30:18 follows a strong rebuke against Judah for their rebellion—they relied on Egypt instead of God. This verse is a reminder that placing our trust in human solutions instead of the Lord will always lead to disaster.
But then, God breaks through with a promise:
✅ God longs to be gracious to you.
✅ He waits to pour out His mercy.
✅ He is just—He sees every wrong and will make things right.
The question is not whether God is present in the storm. The question is:
Will we trust and wait on Him in the storm?
The Peace Jesus Offers
We often think peace will come when our circumstances improve. But Jesus offers something deeper:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
— John 14:27
The world’s peace is temporary.
But God’s peace transcends circumstances. Even in suffering, His presence anchors us.
If you’re in a hard season, ask yourself:
Am I seeking peace in my situation, or am I receiving the peace Jesus already offers?
Fix Your Eyes on Jesus, Not the Storm
The enemy wants us consumed by fear. But Scripture calls us to shift our focus:
“Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.”
— Hebrews 12:2
Jesus endured suffering, but He focused on the joy set before Him—Jesus had to learn that through a growing relationship with His heavenly Father. That same perspective can transform how we navigate hardship.
Instead of asking, "When will this end?" ask:
"God, what do You want to show me in this season?"
Your pain does not define you—God does. And He is already working for your good (Romans 8:28).
Never Finished Challenge: How to Experience God’s Peace Today
✔ Pray Honestly – Bring your struggles to God, even when you don’t have the words.
✔ Meditate on Scripture – Replace anxious thoughts with God’s truth.
✔ Worship – Shift your focus from the storm to His presence.
✔ Stay Connected – You’re not meant to walk through this alone.
For your pocket: Peace is always found in His presence.
What does today say about God?
This storm will not last forever. But God’s love for you will.
✅ He sees you.
✅ He is waiting with grace.
✅ And His peace is already yours—right now.
Will you receive it?
💬 Drop a comment if you need prayer—I’d love to stand with you.