Ascent 2025: Week 2 - Resilient Peace in the Storm and Valley
- Emma Li
- Dec 6, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 14, 2025
Hello everyone!!
Happy second week of Advent!!
With the Hope candle still burning, we now light the Peace candle for this week, embracing God’s steady presence that anchors resilient hearts through sudden storms and long valleys. Peace doesn’t remove trials, but it gives us the strength to fight and walk through them.
In this second week, let peace become your refuge as the ascent deepens. Here are your daily reflections:
Day 1: Storm vs. Valley
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27- ESV version)
Storms hit fast, demanding immediate shelter, while valleys stretch slow, testing steady steps through darkness and doubt. And sometimes we get hit by storms one after the other. However, we will describe our current crisis, Christ's peace meets us in all unique situations.
Name your current "storm" (quick crisis) and "valley" (long journey) or whatever you are going through.
Day 2: Breathing in Peace
Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7- ESV version)
I love how God’s peace goes far beyond anything we could ever comprehend, and not only that, it actively guards our hearts and minds. Wow! What a gift!
What is troubling my heart today? Bring it honestly before God and invite His peace to cover your mind.
Day 3: Resilience is Quiet
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1–2- ESV version)
Real resilience is quiet, not loud. Resilience chooses trust repeatedly in the face of hardship, drawing its strength from a deep, sustaining peace.
Identify one "weight" to lay aside this week (e.g., comparison, control). Journal how releasing it frees your pace.
Day 4: Protected, Not Untouched
God is our refuge and strength, a very present[b] help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. (Psalm 46:1–2 - ESV version)
Peace doesn’t remove the shaking; it stays with you in it. God’s presence is your steady strength when life feels unsteady, helping you grow stronger through closeness with Him, not by avoiding hard times.
Step into Psalm 46's refuge; name one fear, losing power there.
Day 5: Boundaries and Rest
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28–30- ESV version)
Saying “no” protects your peace. Setting holy boundaries is a restful way of staying under Christ’s gentle yoke, helping you grow stronger by respecting your limits in a busy, demanding world.
Practice one "no" today for rest's sake. Thank God for gentle strength in humility.
Day 6: Peace in Your Body
May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless[a] his people with peace! (Psalm 29:11- ESV version)
When you pause in God’s presence—breathing slowly, stretching gently—ask the Lord to fill you with His peace. His nearness releases hidden tension and begins renewing your strength.
Take 2 minutes to scan your body for tightness, and pray Psalm 29:11 over each spot, welcoming His peace to flow through you.
Day 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9 - ESV version)
As the week ends, bring peace into one relationship. Choose to respond with calm where there’s tension, reflecting God’s heart for reconciliation.
Choose one person or space. Pray peacemaking words over them.
Worship Song
"It Is Well" (Bethel Music version). Its bridge declares peace transcending shipwreck and pain: "It is well... with my soul."
Simple Activities
Candle: Light Hope + Peace candles.
Peace Corner: Designate a home spot for this week's reflections—either a chair or a windowsill—with your journal.
Generosity Seed: Offer five minutes of undistracted listening to someone; let peace flow outward. (Proverbs 3:9–10)
Closing Prayer
Prince of Peace, calm our storms and steady our valley steps. Guard hearts with transcendent peace, teach resilient trust through boundaries. Make us carriers, anchoring others in Your refuge. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Week 2 Scriptures at a Glance
Key Verses
Anchor John 14:27; Philippians 4:6–7; Psalm 46:1–2
Endurance Hebrews 12:1–2; Matthew 11:28–30
Overflow Matthew 5:9; Psalm 29:11
Thank you for joining me this Advent season. May God shower you with His blessings, and I pray that you will encounter Him in new and meaningful ways along this journey.
With love,
Emmanuella
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