Written by: Lindsey Bush – Pastor at Spring Branch Community Church in Virginia Beach, VA
Scripture: Ephesians 2:4, John 14:27, Philippians 4:6-8
Every parent and school professional knows the importance of having a friendly and alert crossing guard as students are welcomed to and from school each day. If there was a hall of fame for school crossing guards, Mr. Boyd would be at the top of the list. Several years ago, my calling to serve children and families began as a teacher in an elementary school. Each morning I would commute into a bustling downtown with a few other teachers, battling sixty minutes of morning traffic with large thermoses of coffee as we prepared to the day. Pulling into the school parking lot, we were greeted by Mr. Boyd and his huge smile. He would stop all incoming traffic for cars to pass and then greet us by name as we walked into the building.
Mr. Boyd didn’t just show up in the mornings to coordinate traffic. During challenging school days, Mr. Boyd was a friend that gave us peace.
While you may not have someone stopping traffic gifting you momentary peace, you have the reassurance that Jesus provides a peace that is far greater. Ephesians 2:4 NIV says, “For He himself is our peace who has made the two groups one..”. When you share your life with Jesus, you have access to complete peace for yourself and those around you. This kind of peace isn’t as the world gives (John 14:27), rather it’s a deep confidence in the presence of Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6-8 NLT puts it this way:
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything… If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-8 (NLT)
The peace of Christ is your guard. He guards the people He loves with His restorative presence that will one day put everything back together again. He will stop traffic for you, call you by name, and give you rest when you need it most.
Dear Jesus, Thank you for being my whole and complete peace. Help me to share your peace with the school and child that you have called me to serve. I receive your guarding peace today. In your name, Amen.
About the author: Lindsey Bush lives in Virginia Beach, VA, with her husband, Jamin. They love traveling, college football, and a good game of euchre. Lindsey serves as Children’s Pastor at Spring Branch Community Church and recently graduated from Bethel Seminary with a M.A. in Children’s and Family Ministry.