Tips for Finding Peace
I sat watching the storm blow in – the sights, the sounds, and even the smells shift to something damp and warm. The wind rippled through the trees causing the leaves to dance in anticipation. The smile that had been softly resting on my face grew as the drops began to fall.
PEACE.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1
One of my favorite places growing up was at the family boathouse as a storm blew in. The rain would pound on the metal roof so that the only thing I could hear was my own thoughts. Even with a room full of cousins and aunts, I was alone.
PEACE.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14: 12 – 13
I used to ride my horse up to the top of the cliff overlooking the lake. The wind would blow in off the water up on that cliff, brushing my hair back from my face. Up there, in the wind, the only thing I would know was the breathing of my horse and the beating of my own heart.
PEACE.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Quite calm – sometimes in the approaching storm, sometimes in the roar of the storm, and sometimes in the breeze – the peace of the Lord guides me in all situations.
Finding Peace
1. Get away from the noise. That may mean turning off the television. It may require taking a walk. You may need to take a break by going away for the day or the weekend or the week.
2. Get in tune with your heart. Listen to the rhythm of the beats. Focus on the natural drumming of your heart.
3. Take long, deep breaths. Conscentrate on breathing in and the breathe out for a count of two to four more than you breathe in.
4. Close your eyes. Give your other senses the attention. See what you can feel. See what you can hear. See what you can smell.
5. Give thanks to God. Go through a list of all the blessings that you have. Just offer up praise and thanksgiving – nothing more. Keep going until the only thing you can think of is for Him being Him.
Peace is not just a holiday moment or greeting. Peace is a place created by the Maker for my dwelling place. It is not up to me to get there. He set me there when I chose to accept His gift. But I dwell in the benefits of that peace when I choose to have the better and best focus for my daily walk.
Be blessed,
