Experiencing Peace

There is much hostility, fear, hatred, unsettledness, worry, and anxiety going on today. Just turn on the news. Sadly, I see hatred between people who are on opposite sides of the political fence.

And they don’t even know each other.

Regardless of what side you are on, hatred is not ok with God. Jesus challenged the people then, and also us today, that those who are filled with hatred commit murder in their hearts.

Fear fuels hatred. Fear fuels worry. Fear fuels control.

Perfect Love casts out fear.

When Jesus resurrected, He did not overthrow the Roman rule or oppression.  He did not remove the Pharisees from their positions of power.  But he did tell his disciples, “Peace be with you.”

We will have troubles and suffering in this world. And yet we can also have peace.

For the month of July, I will share some spiritual practices that can help you find peace.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”    John 14:27

While preparing for his death, Jesus is comforting his disciples. Even though they do not fully understand how, when, where, and why he is leaving, they can still have peace. Even though they cannot control his departure, they can receive the gift of peace. Although they are afraid and troubled, they can experience a calm mind amid the turmoil.  

You can, too.

God is everywhere. Like the air all around us and in us. Breathing deeply is receiving the Holy Spirit deeply. Deep, slow breathing sends a message to the heart to slow down, which then sends a message to the brain to calm down. God can calm your heart through the breath.

Reflection: What is troubling you? What are you afraid of? What is happening in your life that you don’t understand?

Exercise: Journal your answers to the above questions. Then read out loud to God what you wrote. Sometimes talking it out releases the fear. Then, close your eyes and take four deep, cleansing breaths.

Breathe in God’s comfort, breathe out what troubles you.

Breathe in God’s presence, breathe out what you don’t understand.

Breathe in God’s love, breathe out what you are afraid of.

Do this until peace fills your heart.