Peace

Robyn Lowery, Ph.D., LCMHCA, CCTP

There is just something beautiful about springtime. Seeing all the flower buds spring forth signaling the beginning of exciting new life and hopefulness that it will soon blossom into something beautiful. These sights and gentle sounds of nature implore me to relax, slow my pace, and enjoy God’s creation. I feel, “THIS. IS. PEACE.”

Yet, there are challenges, distractions, and obstacles that can make peace more difficult to obtain. Perhaps you have been struggling with grief after the death of a loved one, or have experienced job loss due to the economy, or your anxiety has become overwhelming to the extent that your performance at work has suffered.  A verse that has really resonated since the onset of this worldwide pandemic is Psalms 34:14 and it states, “seek peace, and pursue it.”  In essence, this is a call to action for peace in our lives. 

But what does that look like? How is this done?  I have found that it helps to begin with investigating, examining, and exploring solutions for the things that are challenging. Sometimes that requires support from family, friends, or a mental health professional. It continues with persistent attention and emphasis placed on achieving a resolution.  So keep working at it and expect that it can take time to feel better.  The Beattitudes state, “Blessed are the peacemakers..” suggesting that in a world where chaos is swirling all around we can emerge just like that flower bud and “MAKE” peace in our life and the lives of others. 

Our world is changing more rapidly than ever and there is so much uncertainty, but our hope and peace is in knowing that someone greater has it all in hand. So look for the peacemakers in your life and if your search is unsuccessful, maybe that’s because you haven’t looked in the mirror yet.