Peace. Really?
Peace is lovely word – it ripples off the tongue pleasantly. But it’s not easy to create or hold onto.
Heroic men, sons, brothers, husbands died so we could live in peace in America. May we celebrate each one in our hearts with every firecracker that pierces the sky. Their lives mattered. Our gratitude is forever.
Peace in the world starts with me. Shockingly I have to check my heart often. Is peace there? If not, what am I allowing to disturb me and ruffle my emotions?
Jesus said it’s beautiful to live with peace. I clearly know when it’s absent but I don’t always know immediately why. Until I stop and meditate. Even a few moments of meditation can be effective in helping me identify my peace robber.
How?
Our thoughts determine our level of peace. Our mind is busy always with our thought voices. We can be thinking thoughts of envy comparison, resentment or thoughts of abundance, contentment, and joy. Unless we control our thoughts, the world around us controls them for us. That is why so many live in fear and anxiety.
Perhaps we have concern for the culture? I’m not unmindful of what goes on in the world, but I refuse to be distressed by it.
To evaluate personal peace, I also look at family relationships, and pray for unity within the family always.
I love my family and friends. I avoid getting into discussions about personality and behavior of current political leaders. Strange as some leaders may be, they’re in these positions because God has allowed them. I don’t agree with every decision they make, but it’s not worth getting into controversy with loved ones.
We all have one great power available that I truly believe has effect - the power of prayer. I have known prayer’s effectiveness in every area of my life.
CS Lewis said when we begin reading and speaking God’s word, something begins to shift within us. The mind is never quiet and we need to constantly format it in truth and love.
Scripture recitation helps create soul-deep personal renewal. Repetition of God’s word isn’t mindless - it is holy, and it becomes transformative.
I want the kind of peace that passes understanding because it is molded within me and available to each of us.
Here’s to a summer of inner peace!
Blessed, grateful 4th of July!
Proverbs 23:7 “As he thinks in his heart so is he…”
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will be in your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Writing Update:
Mystery reading is great summer fun by the beach or pool.
The first of my five novels is still my favorite: Directive 99. The latest, Shot in the Night, is a close second. They're availabe thru amazon or at Angelus Gifts, Walworth or Lakeside Books, Lake Geneva. Both can be read on Kindle too. Let me know what you think or better yet leave a review!
