How to Be at Peace
As we approach Thanksgiving and other big family celebrations, it is good to remember how to be at peace in demanding situations.
We can’t be peaceful without being centered on God.
We can’t be gracious without resting in grace ourselves.
We can’t be loving without feeling God’s love.
What to do then?
Before you enter into difficult situations (or any day for that matter) spend time with God. Not just a hasty prayer here and there but pray until praise flows. You need to listen to God speak to your heart. You need to read the Bible until you’re surrounded with God’s peace. This won’t take that long, I promise. But the benefits are out of this world. That’s how to be at peace in difficult situations.
When you have God’s approval, you are not needy for other people’s acceptance or understanding.
When you have basked in God’s grace, you’re ready to extend grace to others.
When you know you’re special in God’s eyes, you’re ready to love others like God loves you.
When you are reminded what really matters in life, you are filled with peace.
When you feel God’s presence, you’re filled with joy.
Also, deliver all your anxious thoughts to God as soon as they rise.
You don’t need to handle situations, let Jesus do it.
You don’t need to stress about stuff, let Jesus do it.
You don’t need to be anxious, because Jesus cares for you.
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7, NRSV)
Hence, cast your anxiety, your worries and difficult situations on Jesus and receive peace upon peace. It is impossible for you to be a loving presence in difficult situations. But it is possible for Jesus to make you gracious and peaceful in the midst of demanding situations. Just remember to be filled to overflowing with God’s grace and peace. That’s how to be at peace in every situation.
Let us pray the prayer of Saint Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, harmony;
Where there is error, truth;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen
Q4U: How do you handle difficult family situations? Do you know how to be at peace in every situation?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you let God fill you with his grace and peace. Happy Thanksgiving!
Photo courtesy of Kristin Huntley, design Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Unite the Bloggersphere and #tellhisstory.