Inspiration:
You race to one destination and then are compelled to hurry to the next place. Yet none of your activities, achievements, acquisitions, or new experiences will ever bring you what you are truly seeking.
~ In the Presence of Jesus by Paul Bane and Matt Litton
Scripture:
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will never be shaken. – Psalm 62: 1-2
We may not realize it, but life traumatizes us in so many ways. First, our minds are under attack because of the constant noise from social media to television news to the notifications on the devices we carry in our pockets. The endless dramas of outrage and attention-getting headlines produce underlying anxiety and discomfort in us. And then there are the “authentic” traumas we face, such as the loss of loved ones, illness, work conflicts, disappointment, and financial hardships. (Stop Your Overthinking!)
It can be dangerous to our health if we don’t acknowledge how the world can injure us. If we ignore and internalize these hurts, they can impact every cell of our being. It’s important to understand that the primary function of our brain is to solve problems. Our minds are constantly in “problem-solving mode,” and with all of the issues we are presented with (real or imagined) in today’s world, we can find our minds racing, our hearts racing, and our souls far from peace. Living in this state of tension is usually expressed with busyness. The more we are on the run, the more we are working, the more we are accumulating, the less we focus on our troubled minds. Therefore, we must learn to step away from the rat race for our spiritual well-being and simply quiet ourselves. (Calming My Restless Mind)
Peace of mind is learning to live life, not from the outside in but from the inside out. Inner peace is always available, but we must choose to be still in the presence of God. As St. Augustine would say, we are restless until we find our rest in God. This week list the things you watch and listen to and how they impact your spiritual and emotional health. List the real-life challenges you are facing. Rather than fill your day with busyness and work to avoid these things, invite God to quiet your soul and give you peace in the face of whatever challenges you face. What steps can you take to still your mind? What can you do to bring more peace to your daily routine?
Co-writer Matt Litton
