There are probably many times that God’s promise of peace that passes understanding seems to be a promise for all of God’s children except those who have prodigals. There are times that peace simply doesn’t seem possible or attainable. However, it is not only possible—it is attainable! It is a promise for you! “’For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,’ Says the Lord, who has mercy on you” (Isaiah 54:10).

When you love a prodigal, you long for peace, but how can it be when circumstances are so difficult? There are certain verses that hold the key.

First, we must give all fears, anxieties, worries, but most of all, our prodigals, to the Lord in prayer, and then the peace will come. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

If you’ve done all of that, then “LET the peace of God rule in your hearts … and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15, emphasis added). Apparently, we have to allow that peace to come in. Give yourself permission to receive the peace from God.

I also believe we sometimes have to fight the feelings of guilt when we do allow peace to rule our hearts. After all, how could we possibly love our prodigal if we are not upset about their situations? Let’s look at this dilemma.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” You see? It isn’t a matter of lack of love for your prodigal. It’s a matter of total trust in the One who loves them more than we do, who has all power and wisdom and is able to change their hearts! When we give our anxieties to the Lord, even though we would change the horrible situations in the lives of prodigals today, we trust the Lord is working in answer to our prayers that His word asked us to pray so we could have this peace in the first place!

The bottom line is that peace is a result of trust in Jehovah Shalom, The Lord Our Peace, and it really is possible and attainable.

So, the next time you find yourself without the peace that doesn’t make sense, it is time to pray and turn every thought and circumstance over to God, let the peace come in, trusting Him to do what only He can do.