Hello !
Psalm 131:2 says, "I have calmed and quieted myself."
What a beautiful picture, and something we all need to practice on the regular.
These days, it seems like we're always supposed to be upset about something, there's a crisis we're supposed to be championing, or an issue we're supposed to rage against.
And, on top of that, the holidays are coming! (Am I right?!)
I've discovered that, if we don't do as King David did, and intentionally calm ourselves, calm and quiet are seldom experienced.
When we let the tide carry us, it only seems to wash us up on the shores of stress and anxiety. It's important to be intentional about our peace.
So, what are some easy steps we can do to foster peace in a hectic day?
Pray. Prayer isn't just church homework. Connecting with God through prayer centers us, gives us hope, and brings us closer to the Prince of Peace.
Breathe deeply. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. It helps to take you out of "fight or flight" and bring you into "rest and repair".
Get some sleep. Getting a solid 7 to 8 hours does wonders for your ability to think objectively and solve problems.
Take a social media and news break. Seriously. All that time scrolling headlines is like consuming mass quantities of caffeine and expecting to relax. Do yourself a solid and detox from that toxic sludge.
Pause. Take a 1 to 5-minute break a couple of times a day, and just release everyone and everything to Him.
Let's be people of peace that others can turn to for strength and calm.
You got this!
See you Sunday!
Living a passionate mission,
Lee Bezotte
Lead Pastor, Mercy Vineyard Church
0 comments