“He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass; as showers that water the earth. In his days shall the righteous flourish, and an abundance of peace as long as the moon endures.”  Psalm 72

Not being at peace is soul sickening.  Think for a moment what it feels like to not be at peace.  Think of the sleeplessness.  Think of how tense your body is, or how your stomach is in knots.  Perhaps you’re on edge, irritable or get easily upset.  Maybe you become lethargic and despondent, not caring about anything.

Now compare that feeling to a time when you had perfect peace.  Where were you?  What were you doing—or NOT doing?  What was the circumstance or the setting?  What did that feel like?  Perhaps you felt as if everything was right in your life, and in the world.  Maybe you were incredibly joyful.  Or you were filled with a sense of calm and comfort.

What is it that disturbs our peace?  And what is it that gives peace?

The answer to the first question could be “Almost anything”.  And the answer to the second question, I believe, is  “God”.

God comes to us both externally and internally to give us peace.  Externally God provides settings and situations that are peace-full.  Perhaps it is a mountain or a meadow.  Maybe it is a sacred space, like a church or an island like Iona.  Maybe it is a song or a work of art.  Or maybe it’s an activity like hiking or Yoga or swimming.  God is the one filling all of these spaces and places, though we may not be aware of it.

Internally God comes to us to soothe our souls, our hearts and our minds.  This I believe is more difficult to achieve and requires us to be more deliberate and intentional.  Just as food is consumed to nourish our body, so too God must be consumed to give us internal peace.  But how is this done? Here are some ways that immediately come to mind.

Silence.  Think of how peaceful it is to be in a silent setting. Like in a cozy cabin during a snowstorm, or on a beach with only the sound of the waves.  Someone once said that silence is God’s first language.

Stillness.  Stopping the compulsion to be doing, and focusing on merely being.  My life goal is to “Be more; do less.”  When was the last time you dedicated an entire day to doing nothing?  That used to be the old understanding of how to observe the sabbath.

Contemplation.  Deliberately taking the time to consider God.  Scripture, nature and music are all conducive to this.  Focusing one’s attention on one word, one object, or one element.

Meditation.  Entering into a longer period of time when our focus shifts from mind to deeper self.  Breathing deeply, softly, intentionally.  And knowing that this is the Spirit of God.

There are other means, but these are the ones that are readily apparent.  The challenge is to have internal peace when the external events of life are upsetting and turbulent.  Jesus is an example of this, sleeping in a boat during a terrible storm. 

How do you experience peace, dear friend?

What is it that is providing peace for you, or perhaps disturbing your peace now?

Where is God in this occasion?

I conclude with the following from the Carmen Gaedelica, a compilation of Celtic prayers, which recognizes God’s peace filling and being found in ALL things.

God to enfold me,

God to surround me,

God in my speaking,

God in my thinking.

God in my sleeping,

God in my waking,

God in my watching,

God in my hoping.

God in my life,

God in my lips,

God in my soul,

God in my heart.

God in my sufficing,

God in my slumber,

God in mine ever-living soul,

God in mine eternity.