Finding Inner Peace
Are you in the middle of a life situation where there is no peace? Here’s a way to find peace and refreshment for your body, mind, soul and spirit.
Finding Peace
I found myself standing alone, the wind blowing over me from left to right. Every 8 to 10 seconds there was a crash that was deafening. With every crash my feet sank. Sounds like a very bad situation, one where you, the reader, are waiting for ka-boom! or gun shot or crash of a car.
This moment in time was not a bad situation; it was a moment of worship.
1. Find a place where heaven and earth seem to merge
I found myself standing alone on the beach staring out into the vast water that made up the Gulf of Mexico as far as I could see. The winds off of the oceanic waters blew through my hair from left to right as I faced the vast expanse of salt water. Every 8 to 10 seconds there was a crash of waves that was deafening, as the waves roared their multitudinous voices back to the Maker who set their boundaries. With every crash of the waves my feet sank in the sand as the water washed over me.
Every time I stand on the edge of the water I am reminded that Creator God, Father of all, Master of this universe holds all of this together. God knows the exact number of grains of sand. He knows the exact number of flotsam and jetsam that litters the beach. God instructed the waters of the ocean to come to this gulf coast and go no further.
Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst from the womb,
when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket,
when I determined its boundaries and put [its] bars and doors in place,
when I declared: “You may come this far, but no farther; your proud waves stop here.”? (Job 38:8-11, HCSB)
As I stood on the beach two short weeks ago the stuff of earth melted away. Instead of asking for peace I was thanking God for peace.
2. Take the time to see beyond.
I agree, it’s crazy to have to drive to the edge of the North American gulf coast to find peace…but sometimes we have to get away from the trees to be able to see the forest. Sometimes we have to get far enough back from the trouble that finds us every day to be able to see God’s goodness, mercy and grace.
That may be a country road far enough out from the city so that you can see more stars in the night sky. Maybe your spot is on the 14th row of the bleachers at the practice field. From “your spot” you love to watch the sun set as brilliant pink and orange colors fill the sky. Maybe your time to get away from the trees is that morning run where you purposefully run towards the east so that you can see the sun rise and greet the new day.
3. Carry your place of peace in your heart through prayer.
I can still feel the cool gulf waters as they wash over my feet. I can smell the salty air. I hear the crash of the waves and the cries of the sea gulls. Find your place and pray with me:
“Father, I know you have created everything. I thank you for this moment of peace and reminding me of how deep Your love is for me. Help me to hear Your voice today. Thank You for Your peace that passes all understanding.”
“May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, HCSB)
Copyright David Shelton 2012 All rights reserved.
