Finding Peace

Read Philippians 4: 4-9

Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 4-7 (TLB)

Jennifer Jennings lives in Tennessee. Worrying seemed to come naturally to her. Jennifer worried about the past: Did I say the wrong thing? Make the wrong choice? And she worried about the future: Is everything going to work out? Will I do the right thing? This pattern made it difficult to enjoy life. For years, Jennifer searched for ways to change. She found lots of things that helped: yoga, exercise, and books on the topic. Her doctor prescribed mediation or contemplative prayer> Contemplative prayer is about listening: offering a prayer and then focusing on breathing in and out, This allows us to hear the answers God sends. It might not be words that we hear but rather a feeling of love or comfort.

Through prayer, Jennifer has come to know in her heart that God loves her, wants the best for her, and is always with her. God takes away her worries and fills her with divine peace and love. In the past she had been concerned that he issues were not big enough to bother God with, but now she knows that God loves every person and wants to help us all.

Now when Jennifer starts the old pattern of worrying, she tries to recognize it and offer a prayer. Then she takes some deep breaths and waits for the peace of God to fill her mind and heart,. While worrying closes her off, feeling connected with God's love opens her up to live her life joyously.

Prayer: Dear God, take away our worries and fill us with peace, in Jesus' name. Amen.