Jesus gave us the gift of peace. In John 14:27 he said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
So, why do I have trouble feeling at peace? It’s the holiday season and the to do list is long. There are often big expectations at this time. Turn on your computer and there is little in your news feed to feel peace about. War, threat of disasters, crime, things damaging your health, the list goes on and on.
I think we have to remember that peace, like salvation and grace, is a gift of God. We must choose to receive his gifts. For me, at this time in my life, that means having a peace practice. I try to start my day with prayer, going over the different things that I need God’s intervention in. Then, sometime in the afternoon, I try to stop whatever I am doing and sit down and breathe deeply. I try to mentally push away all that needs to be done and picture an open landscape. I spend a few minutes in quiet just feeling that open space, remembering that the Holy Spirit lives in me and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Cor. 3:17
This is what’s helping me right now. I hope you also find more of God’s peace!
Thought Question:
Brainstorm some ideas that will help you connect to God’s peace.