Peace IS the Path
Although your life may be in turmoil, you have within yourself the ability to stay calm and peaceful every moment of your life.
In your daily life, an attitude of gratitude will open doors to realms of deep personal peace that you have possibly never experienced before. If you often get upset over small details or things that others say or do, it is likely you would benefit by taking more quiet time to remain balanced. With practice, you have the ability to master emotions to the point where nothing can overwhelm you.
Within you lies the ability to overcome any obstacle, whether it is a physical ailment, difficult relationship, challenging events or the effects of unresolved trauma. The Bible gives a clue how to master this. “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5-7)
At first, it may be tedious to monitor your thoughts, words and engrained habits. However, with diligent practice, you will quickly realize your weak areas and be able to change them. Each habit you master opens new doors of healing. As you change your way of thinking, your brain waves change, as well as the patterns that hold these habits in place. You have the ability to change the old tapes and re-write new patterns and habits that are more fitting for the life you wish to live.
Living consciously involves looking at every aspect of your life, every choice you make. Once you are consciously aware of your patterns, you can make the choice to keep them or to change them. Your patterns must be monitored often until your desired habits become first nature. You will then have the ability to remain in peace no matter what circumstances are presented to you.
Have you ever been in an argument with someone when the other person is overly emotional? You can’t come to an agreement or have any clear communication when that person (or yourself) is off balance. Clarity and focus are lost.
The Bible reminds us to prepare for these times beforehand. Thus, in the midst of a battle, you will stand firm and calm, with clarity to know what to speak and do to overcome or negotiate with your adversary. Ephesians 6 warns us to put on the full armor of God. One of the important elements of the armor is to “shod your feet with the preparation for the gospel of peace.”
It’s not in the heat of the battle that you learn to remain grounded in peace. That peace comes with practice, each step of the path… until peace is your path.
Theresa Crabtree