“Weeping may endure for a night but JOY is going to come in the morning.”
We’ve had an interesting couple of months here in the US. The last few weeks have been HARD. Really really hard.
Insurrection. Impeachment. A less-than-normal inauguration. What a mess.
What we witnessed at our nation’s capital a couple weeks ago was gut wrenching.
I’m an American; a very proud American. I love my country.
For the first time in my entire life, I didn’t feel safe. I felt like people getting past Capitol security & police was something that I would NEVER see here. That is something that happens in the movies. That is something that happens in other countries around the globe. That’s not supposed to happen here.
But here’s why I found a good dose of joy in the days that followed: Congress.
They got together and said, “AHT! AHT! This is America and we aren’t going to stand for this foolishness. We don’t care which side you’re on!”
It was like they popped America’s hands for acting up. Just like my mama would. Congress said: “Y’all wanna show out? Ok, just wait till we get home.” 😂
Sometimes it takes your kids acting up (America) for us to realize we need to discipline them better instead of letting them run wild with privilege.
We also need the Church to stand up and call a spade a spade. To stop enabling and hiding behind a see through wall of “prayer” without any actions. (But, that’s for another day)
Sometimes, it’s hard to find peace in this midst of chaos - especially chaos you can’t control. I think that’s where many people find their minds and anxiety take control of the car.
When your days are hard and your mind is heavy, here are a few things to do to create stillness and find peace.
Meditate.
Take some time to get quiet. Whether you’re doing breathing exercises, a guided meditation or getting quiet with Jesus, finding a moment to block out the noise and take a moment for stillness always brings me back.
I've recently started to use the Abide Bible Meditation App and I LOVE it! Getting a guided meditation that is God-centric and biblically sound is amazing. Their whole mission is to help people experience peace through Godly meditation. If you're looking for a way to get into mediation, this is a great place to start!
Be Present.
Look at what is around you and acknowledge things you hear, see, smell, taste, and touch. Our minds can often run away from us, so taking a minute to breathe and take note of the things around you will bring you back to the present moment and out of whatever chaotic moment you’ve found yourself in.
Go Outside.
There are very few things that bring more peace than getting outside and breathing fresh air. Go to a park. Take a walk around your neighborhood. Look at nature and find the small things in creation that point you to The Creator.
Take a Break from Screens.
Since we carry full-blown tvs & computers in our pockets & purses, it’s easy to get swept up in the madness. PUT THEM DOWN. When the chaos is swirling, getting away from the news is a great way to create calm.
Worship.
I find ultimate peace when I’m worshipping. No matter what is going on in the world, being at the feet of Jesus brings stillness like no other. Feeling stressed? Crank up your worship playlist and get with The Lord! I promise, He’ll meet you there and give you the peace you’ve been looking for.
Know that I’m praying for you & you aren’t alone.
Is the mess that’s going on in the world too much for your heart? You aren’t alone.
Are there things in your personal life that just aren’t right? You aren’t alone.
Regardless of your situation, you aren’t alone.
