to your good health
Find Your Peace The holidays can bring us joy, comfort, and an opportunity for gathering with friends and family. We can be excited about the various activities or dread them. Even though this year many are resuming family dinners, attending plays, concerts, and church services to celebrate the season; this is a time of generosity, love, and peace. We wish that all those around us to be at peace, have their needs met, or find a community where they are welcomed. Paul encourages us with this declaration, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NLT). This time of year can also be stressful and difficult as people navigate grief, financial challenges, health changes, and continued violence in our community
and the world. We need peace now more than ever. How can we find peace when many things around us are not going well? We can shift to a place of gratitude. Thankfulness for all we have, those special people in our lives and the experiences that we enjoy. Gratitude is a gift that keeps giving. Focusing on the good things that are happening reduces our stress and helps us to cultivate an atmosphere of peace. Peace is a priceless gift that Jesus gives us. In John 14:27 (NLT), Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift— peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Jesus reminds us that we cannot let fear, troubles, doubt, despair, discouragement, or people take our peace. Peace is a gift, but it is also a practice. We must take time to pursue activities that increase our peace. Many
times, we engage in activities or with people who steal or block our peace. Peace is a blessing that we must cherish and guard with all our hearts. Here are a few reminders from the Psalms (NLT): “In peace I will lie down and sleep” (4:8); “He leads me beside peaceful streams.” (23:2); “Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (34:14); “Great is the Lord, who delights in blessing his servant with peace!” (35:27); and “Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.” (119:165). These are just a few of the ways we can have the peace that surpasses understanding. Continue surrounding yourself with an atmosphere of prayer, praise, and expectation, then like the angels we can sing:“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 (NLT) Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
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