Unfortunately, it is not hard to see that the culture today is largely devoid of God. Whether it be in our schools, media, our extended family expectations, business, our jobs, sports, the daily tasks of life – the culture is becoming more devoid of God every day. While there is always hope, we still need to understand […]
“Peace, be still.”
Jesus spoke these words and calmed the storm. The rain stopped, the wind ceased and at His word, there was a quiet stillness.
We all need that quiet stillness in our lives. We long for it, even if we don’t fully realize it. So often we become busy and distracted in the middle of the storm, whatever it is that the specific storm of our lives might be. It could be various temptations, sin, work struggles, broken relationships, sickness, trauma, etc. The clouds of despair and the waves of uncertainty move in our hearts and the rain begins to pour. We lose our focus.
How often we fall into thinking we need to become experts at fighting the storm, striving to manage it, even accepting it: we forget that it isn’t ours to control!
In losing our focus we forget that Jesus is in our midst! Jesus, the one who calms the storm, is with us. Jesus, the one who walks on the water and saves us from drowning, is with us. Jesus, the one who offers peace, is here. If only we would look up and see Him in our midst.
Even in all of the storms in our lives, Jesus is in control. This Holy Week, let us keep our eyes on Him, trusting in the One who calms the storm and offers us His peace.
Song to pray with: “It is Well” by Bethel
Need some ideas on how to reclaim the peace that Jesus offers you? Try some of these suggestions and do what is most needed for your heart to receive the peace of Jesus this week.
Spiritually:
- Make a good confession
- Attend Mass
- Pray the Rosary
- Listen to Jesus in Adoration
- Ask a friend to pray with you and for you
Physically:
- Fast from sugar for a set amount of time
- Take a walk and breathe in deeply the fresh air
- Go for a run and push yourself to do your best
- Tidy up a space in your home
- Soak up the sunshine (or play in the snow, depending upon your location)
Emotionally:
- Forgive a friend or family member, or yourself
- Ask forgiveness from someone
- Spend some time writing out a gratitude list
- Journal
- Read about a saint you feel drawn to
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
