I’m thankful I live in the ‘Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.’  The privileges we get from living in the United States far outweigh the number of challenges we face.  I can’t help thinking about all the men and women who sacrificed their time, their families, and sometimes their lives to allow us to live in peace in this great country of ours.  ‘American Soldier,’ Toby Keith’s song expressing the thoughts of the military, may say it best.  “Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand… I’m out here on the front lines, so you can sleep in peace tonight…”  With a grateful heart, I say thank you to the military for defending and protecting the United States so we can live in peace.

We need inner peace too.  But where can we find it?  It’s found in trusting God.  “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) Every day there is something new that tries to steal our peace.  As soon as a problem comes, we need to turn it over to God.  “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) Wouldn’t you like to live without anxiety or stress?  Wouldn’t you like to have no worries at night?  You absolutely can!  Give your cares, your problems, and your fears to God.  Then, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”  Tonight when you turn off the lights, you can turn off your restless thoughts too.  Breathe deeply and relax, because it’s going to be a peaceful night.