POWER IN PEACE

Peace eludes many of us. We all long for the contentment it brings, the smoothness to the wrinkles that this world presents. Despite appearances that we live in prosperity and order, sometimes there is simmering inner turmoil which longs for resolution or a way of escape.

Peace is possible, despite appearances to the contrary. We’ve lived in a pandemic for two years where anxiety has increased in all age levels as we cope (or not) with illness, death, uncertainty and financial upheaval. I work with children in school and anxiety is rampant. Masks  and quarantine have had a detrimental effect on kids development, even lowering their IQ.( from The Guardian, Aug 12, 2021 by Natalie Grover.) I have seen high schoolers and middle school age struggle with their emotions and anxiety, needing counseling or medicine. 

Now there is the threat of war between Russia and Ukraine. Flashback to Hitler, I thought we were past that behavior! But there is money and power to be had and that lures in those who listen to the lies that they deserve these no matter what.

How do you find joy in the dysfunction and peace in the pain? Here are five ways in the acronym of peace, lets look at each letter and see what we find.

P: PRAY for peace and freedom on the world stage and to every individual. There is threat of war, not just from Russia, but for every child of God as Satan and the world seek to steal our freedom, our peace, and our identity. Pray for protection and wisdom as some consider harm as their means to an end. “The very moment I call for a Fathers help, the tide of battle turns. I will trust my God…” (Psalm 56:9) TPT. Our prayers are precious and powerful to God, don’t doubt their effectiveness.

E:  ENTHUSIASM. Be intentional about going forward in excitement and excellence. Others will see you and long for what you have. You may not feel like being friendly, but choose to encounter others with excellence, making them feel special. I say loudly and with animation “Good morning Sunshine!” as I greet my grandson in the morning. This makes him feel special and loved. Your choice for positive or negative thoughts will effect your brain function and responses. “…DNA actually changes shape according to our thoughts….toxic thinking will change your brain wiring in a negative direction and throw your mind and body into stress…” (“Switch On Your Brain” by Dr. Caroline Leaf, p. 35)

A: ALLOW time. You may have to mourn the loss of health or peace. As you work through this grief, remember mourning is marvelous. Not because it’s fun, but it’s necessary to resolve the situation you find yourself in. Be determined to rise above the devastation that has assaulted you. One foot in front of the other. When I put up Christmas decorations it takes a week. In January I’m ready to have them gone, but they did not get there overnight, therefore it takes time to take them down and store them away until next year. (All 16 tubs!)

C: CONNECTION to family and friends is like a chain link fence. Every link is weak, until they are laced together. Then they are strong and create a defense to keep negative things out or positive things in. Now, you have a sure border that protects you and makes you less vulnerable, more secure and less anxious. I struggled with anxiety when I started working and managing a toddler and a not so supportive husband. My connection with God was weak and I longed for it to be stronger. One of the first scriptures I memorized was about peace. “ Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests remade known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 6-7) KJV. I prayed with gratefulness and my mind and body were saturated with peace.

E: EXERCISE. Keeping in shape physically is great and it will help you feel better emotionally. Exercise as you’re able. You may have limitations. I know I do, so do what you can. I do 10 minutes of exercising only. Take a walk, breathe in some fresh air, admire the colors around you, the birds chirping, and the flowers blooming. Exercise your mind as you think things through and come to positive conclusions.  This will lift you out of the pit you may be in and restore freshness, light and life.

Peace is powerful. As you go on a journey with the Great Life – Giver who loves you with an everlasting love, you will impact the lives of those around you in an amazing way. So get your ducks in a row and then you can help others manage their lives, fears, concerns or tears.  Peace is possible and preferable for all involved! When peace saturates the mind and spirit, the body has less stress which produces negative physical symptoms and it becomes immersed in peace also. So go dive into a place of peace, it’s invigorating and fantastic!

Your partner in Peace, Debbie