An Invitation to “Think on These Things”

by Lori Hatcher

When you hear the word peace, what comes to mind? Busy toddlers napping, bringing silence to an otherwise noisy home? Or an absence of relational conflict—in your marriage, family, or church? Some might picture peace as the end of a cultural or global war.

Reverend Billy Graham once noted, “The word peace is used in the Bible in three main ways. First, there is spiritual peace—peace between God and man. Second, there is psychological peace—peace within. Third, there is relational peace—peace among mankind.”[1]

Every believer has experienced the first kind of peace—spiritual peace—made possible because of Christ’s death on the cross. If we’ve confessed our sin to God and surrendered our lives to His control, we stand before Him forgiven and free.

We won’t fully experience the third type of peace—relational peace—peace among humanity, until Christ, the Prince of Peace, ushers in His eternal kingdom.

But what about the second type of peace—psychological peace? Do you long for it? Wouldn’t you love to experience deep, abiding soul rest? Don’t you wish you could sleep with nothing troubling your mind? Or laugh from the depths of your soul, unhindered by fear or pain? Do you envy the unbridled joy of a child and long for those carefree days?

Must we wait until Jesus returns and banishes sin and sorrow from our world forever before we experience this kind of soul-satisfying peace?

The Bible tells us we don’t have to wait until heaven. We can experience peace right now. Philippians 4:8–9 tells us how: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. . . . And the God of peace will be with you.”

Romans 12:2 calls this being “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Ephesians 4:23 describes it as being “made new in the attitude of your minds.”

Scripture assures us that peace is possible when we seize the reins of our mind and point it where we want our thoughts to go. We can “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Think on These Things

If you long to experience the peace that will keep your heart joy-filled and secure, join Lori Hatcher on a sixty-day journey to “think on these things.” Here’s more about Lori’s latest book,  Think on These Things

Every day is a chance for a reset. Too many things try to steal your attention and peace, so it’s critical to start each morning focusing on what is true.  

In this uplifting 60-day devotional, you’ll practice the biblical principle of resetting your mind for the renewal of your whole being. Each inspiring reading, written by popular devotional writer Lori Hatcher, invites you to ponder a scriptural truth or unshakable promise that will help you draw closer to God. Discover that when your mind is focused on God and His goodness, you can experience joy and immeasurable peace, no matter what the day holds. 

Through this devotional, you will:  

• Shift your gaze from your problems to God’s presence and power 
• Feel renewed joy, increased energy, and rekindled gratitude  
• Learn to lean on God in the messy and the mundane 

Think on These Things, Lori Hatcher’s newest devotional from Our Daily Bread Publishing, is available on Amazon Starting January 7th.

Meet Lori Hatcher

Lori Hatcher is an author, blogger, editor, and women’s ministry speaker. Her articles and devotions have appeared in numerous print and online publications including Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts,and Crosswalk.com. A contest-winning Toastmasters International speaker, Lori uses high-impact stories to impart transformational truth. Find out more about Lori and her well-loved 5-minute devotions at LoriHatcher.com.