Great peace have those

who love Your law;

nothing

can make them stumble.

             Psalm 199. 165

(God's peace is not based

on an absence of conflict

or favorable surroundings,

but on His Presence

   right in the midst

   of the unlikely,

       unexpected,

     and the impossible.

God's peace surpasses

all understanding

and does not often

make sense in the situation,

because our wellbeing

and His peace are based

on His steadfast love,

His Word,

His Presence,

and not on

     shifting circumstances.

God is doing a lot more

  --infinitely more--

than just bringing us

    through a tough spot.

His peace and His hand

are not limited

     by our emotions.)

O LORD,

May we seek You

and not just an answer,

nor even "a great day,"

but to pursue You

    and know You more.

Help us to

approach conflict

and difficulties

and even the

  deep valleys differently

because we love You.

Help us to see and seek

             something more

than our own comfort

      and convenience.

May we bring Your peace

to the table

and always be the first to

   hold out the olive branch.