I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.
(John 16:33, NLT)
I see you. You’re still refreshing your social media feed and wondering how it all went wrong. Let’s talk.
The hollow feeling in the pit of your stomach. The heightened anxiety. The feeling like you lost your best friend, got dumped by your mate and lost your job on the same day.
Honestly, this hurts. A lot. Hours of phone banking. Conversations with skeptical uncles and neighbors. The time you spent knocking on doors. They meant something and they still do.
The emotional roller coaster is real. One minute you’re feeling fine and the next you find yourself rage-cleaning your bathroom, wondering what’s next. You know what I’m talking about.
Yet, life goes on. You still need to get that report to your boss. The laundry still needs to go to the dry cleaner or washed and folded. You still have to walk the dog, feed the cat, blah, blah, blah.
So, how do you find peace in the middle of the storm?
Since so much is uncertain, maintaining inner peace is crucial. New challenges can feel like angry waves threatening to wash over and overwhelm you at any moment. Yet, remaining peaceful doesn’t mean that there is no difficulty. In fact, you really have peace when you can remain calm and centered despite the circumstances.
Challenges are a part and parcel of human experience. They come in many forms: the personal, the professional, and the political. What sets a person apart in the midst of trying times is their approach to managing them.
Here are three key perspectives for maintaining your peace:
1. Acceptance. This doesn’t mean passively surrendering to circumstances but acknowledging what you cannot change and focusing on those things that are within your control.
2. Mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness allows you to observe your thoughts and emotions without becoming entangled in them. Allow a small space between your experiences and your reaction. You can gain the power to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
3. Resilience. Your emotional state does not have to be determined by external events. Practices like prayer, meditation, journaling, and self-reflection can help you build internal stability that can withstand life’s toughest moments.
Remember, peace is not a destination but a journey of learning and growth. Maintaining peace is an art and a skill. It requires patience, practice, and persistent self-compassion. Remember that inner peace is not about creating a perfect, challenge-free life, but about developing the inner strength to remain calm and centered even in the storm.
Your peace is a powerful force – nurture it, protect it, and let it guide you through whatever challenges may come.
If you’ve struggled with keeping a peaceful and positive mindset, Think Like Christ can help you transform your thinking. It will teach you how to strengthen your faith and resilience by applying Biblical principles and will help you find strength in challenging times. You can find at your favorite bookstore for $8.99 USD beginning December 15th.
Merry Christmas y'all! Wishing you and those you love the joy of the season. Jesus is still the reason.
Comments