Finding Peace In Your Life
What one thing do you find that is essential to your living a happy and fulfilled life? Is it financial security, family and friends, finding and keeping a relationship, or good health? It is common for you to think, “things would be so much better if only I had…..(fill in the blank). Think about this—if you did indeed have all of those ingredients, do you think that all your problems would be over? Maybe some of them would, but face it—no one has a perfect life. Everyone has their share of troubles, even if they are healthy, wealthy, popular, and loved. I believe that there is one thing that makes the difference between feeling content and satisfied with what you have and even with what you don’t have. That one thing is PEACE. I am talking about the kind of peace that lives within you and comes from God. Peace in your heart and peace of mind are vital in order to thrive and live a happy life, no matter what your circumstances.
There are many, many things in our lives over which we have little or no control. We can find ourselves worrying, filled with doubt and sorrow. Anxiety takes over, and we are unable to be at peace. In our world our days are often filled with lists of things to do and stress. How can you find peace in the midst of all of this busyness and activity?
Some stress is normal and is helpful in getting us motivated to do the things that we need to do and to make the decisions we need to make. But there are some stresses that you need to either make peace with or resolve to come to terms with and move on in your life. Things like money, health, family discord, or problems at work are examples of those things that we sometimes have little or no control over. But there are some things that you can do to help yourself!
Count your blessings. You may not have that bigger house you wanted, and your boss may not always recognize your contributions at work. The key is not to think about all that you don’t have—replace your negative thoughts with positive ones and write down a list of all that is good in your life. Then you can really see all that you have to be grateful for!
Accept what is. It is easy to focus on things which we have no control over, but why worry about something that all the worrying in the world will not change? Once you are able to stop the worrying, you will find that a huge weight has been lifted from your shoulders.
Realize that sometimes life doesn’t always turn out the way you want or had planned. Things happen. Our children disappoint us. We lose that coveted job. Our spouse leaves us. We get sick. Again, try to value what you do have.
Don’t give up hope. Remember that the sun shines after the rain. The bumps in the road are only temporary, and I think that troubles are sometimes meant to help us appreciate the good times more.
Live in the moment. This is an especially good discipline. Try to concentrate on only the moment that you are in when you are in it. This helps to you to not dwell on the past (which you cannot change anyway), and to not worry about all the potential problems of the future. Feel your breathing and pay attention to your surroundings. Meditation is really helpful to many people, as it clears your mind and stills your worries. Spending time in nature is also helpful—taking a walk or a bike ride and paying attention to the trees, flowers, snow, wind. We were meant to spend time outdoors and so many of us are stuck inside all day.
Think about others. Taking the time to focus your attention away from yourself and your problems is great for making us appreciate what we have. Volunteer somewhere where you can do something good for others. Inner peace will become even stronger.
Where do you find the strength to do all these things to help yourself? Open your Bible! God wants us to be at peace, and you can see this when you consider the many scriptures that talk about peace. The only way to true inner peace is through our God. Peace is one of the fruits of the spirit. Jesus said, “Come to me, all that labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upone you and learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart. And you shall find rest for your souls” Matthew 11:28-30. “A heart at peace gives life to the body” Proverbs 14:30. “Peace I leave you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” John 14:27. “ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 5:1.
And my personal favorite: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Phillipians 4:7.
I know that the peace of God is most important—more important than the superficial things of this worldly life.
The peace of Christ be with you all!
