Peace.
How can I write about peace when there is so little peace in the world, our countries, our states, our cities, our churches, and our homes?
If we focus on the chaos, all we’ll feel is stress. Broken relationships, political differences, job pressures, and our own sins and failures can build up and create a hum of doubt and insecurity that buzzes in our minds all day, every day.
I know I’ve tried to silence the hum in different ways: grabbing a snack, scrolling Facebook, watching a movie, reading a book. Those aren’t bad things, but I can’t do them just because I feel the stress of life. When the activity is done, the numbing “peace” is gone and the stress comes back.
I’m going to try some different things when the pressures of life start to overwhelm me.
Spending time in my craft room and creating a card for someone relaxes me and brings joy to someone else.
Getting out my guitar and singing some praise and worship songs brings peace to my soul as I turn my thoughts to God instead of the things that are stressing me out.
And, most of all, opening my Bible and reading God’s promises for me reminds me that there is someone who controls all of the chaos. I may not understand what’s happening, but I can trust that everything will turn out okay in the end.
It’s not easy. I know that.
The easy thing is to just keep fretting about all of the upsetting things happening in our lives.
The more difficult thing is to notice the hum of stress and do something healthy and productive to get back to a place of peace.
It takes practice and persistence, but the end result will be so worth it.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 Modern English Version)
What things are keeping you from feeling peace right now? What activities help you feel more peace? How can focusing on God help you to experience peace even while distressing things are happening?
This is a timely word for me–thank you! I’ve been stressed with too much exhausting work that has stolen all my time, energy, and peace. But I’m under tight deadlines, so I’ve just been pushing myself hard.
Making cards also helps me relax (while listening to positive Christian music), so I’ll try to do a little of that in between work. Going outside usually helps too, but it snowed last night. Maybe I’ll go out just to breathe the cold air & soothe my computer-aching eyes by savoring the gorgeous scenery.
I definitely need to have peace rule in my heart so I’m not so overwhelmed. Thank you again for the reminder.
Well Robin, you did it again. God knew that I needed to hear this from you. Thank you ❤️