Peace.
Perfect Peace.
Peace refreshes and frees the soul. To truly know perfect peace is to me the most Euphoric feeling one can ever experience. Perfect Peace is the kind of peace that only can be derived from having a spiritual connection with the Creator or whatever deity one serves. The wonderful thing about this type of peace is that it is not conditional nor does it depend on tangible things or external factors. God’s love for us ….just is. God’s peace is the type that according to His word surpasses all understanding.
I have in recent years have been fortunate enough to experience God’s Peace. However , it did not come overnight and it required sacrifice. In order to experience God’s love you have to do your part. You have to put yourself in the position to experience the Peace of God. Even if it makes you uncomfortable. All positive change is uncomfortable at first, but in order to obtain something that you have never had you have to sometimes do things that you have never done. The reason that so many of us are unable to experience God’s Peace is that we never put ourselves in the proper position to partake of it. We often move ourselves out of position of receiving the blessings and peace that God would so freely bestow upon us by being rebellious or disobedient to HIS word. I know from experience. I have been guilty of this on so many occasions. I have made my share of mistakes and have been quite hard headed at times. I am just thankful that the God I serve is a forgiving and merciful one.
As I have gotten older and more mature, I have come to realize that one’s quality of life depends solely upon the choices that they make. Every choice has possible life altering consequences. Don’t be deceived, every action has a consequence. That’s why it is always best to sow good seed and try to have a positive influence on any environment you are given the opportunity to be a part of. That is why personally my goal everyday is to talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person that I am blessed to meet. In this life I have learned that you always eventually get what you give. The key to my spiritual evolution and rehabilitation (Yes I said rehabilitation… mainly because brokenness in any capacity and on any level requires rehabilitation) has been to learn the lesson that comes from the consequences reaped as result of my disobedience and rebelliousness. The pain of our past can also keep us from obtaining the kind of peace that we seek. I promise you that no matter how horrific you past may have been, you have the chance to move into a new and brighter future regardless of what your current situation may be. The first thing you have to do is forgive yourself for whatever happened in your past and understand that no one can judge you for your misdeeds or mistakes. Nobody is perfect and we ALL make mistakes. The main objective is to learn for those mistakes and press on. Secondly, you have to truly want a new way of life. I can want something better for you all day long and twice on Sunday, but until you want it for yourself your quality of life will never change. The Chinese Philosopher Lao-tzu said it best:
“The Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
So many of us let fear, guilt, circumstances and/or complacency keep us from making that all important first step.
Your circle or the people that you allow into your space can most definitely hinder you from obtaining the kind of peace that you seek. Over the years I have found that the old adage “misery loves company” is so very true. Now given the challenges and obstacles that face today ‘s society, it is easy for a person to get caught in a cycle of pessimism and negativity. High unemployment rates, ridiculously high prices at the pump, our elected officials outright disregard for the welfare of their constituents, the aftermath of unprecedented natural disasters and just the grind from making ends meet from day to day could easily turn the most optimistic person into a cynic. Nevertheless as dark as things may appear to be, we are to think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect nothing but the best from every situation we encounter. I know that this at times can be easier said than done. Even so, there is nothing that you can’t do. Just think on the many promises of God. I always reflect on one in particular…. I can do ALL things through God who strengthens me.
Your circle or the people that you allow into your space can most definitely hinder you from obtaining the kind of peace that you seek. Over the years I have found that the old adage “misery loves company” is so very true. Now given the challenges and obstacles that face today ‘s society, it is easy for a person to get caught in a cycle of pessimism and negativity. High unemployment rates, ridiculously high prices at the pump, our elected officials outright disregard for the welfare of their constituents, the aftermath of unprecedented natural disasters and just the grind from making ends meet from day to day could easily turn the most optimistic person into a cynic. Nevertheless as dark as things may appear to be, we are to think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect nothing but the best from every situation we encounter. I know that this at times can be easier said than done. Even so, there is nothing that you can’t do. Just think on the many promises of God. I always reflect on one in particular…. I can do ALL things through God who strengthens me.
Now…. a state of perfect peace means different thing to different people. As for me, the kind of peace that I seek is the kind that money can’t buy. The type of peace I seek is the kind that nothing or no one can take away. The kind of peace that I seek is the kind that can weather any storm. This is the type of peace I seek. This in my opinion can be considered perfect peace. I strive daily to be so strong that nothing in this universe can disturb my peace of mind. For years this kind of peace has eluded me. However, I am pleased to say that that I get a little closer to obtaining it every single day. Experience has taught me that the key to obtaining perfect peace is to remain focused. By remaining focused I mean that you do not let anyone or anything keep you from obtaining the type of peace or serenity that you seek. Now please understand that the road to perfect peace is littered with countless detours and distractions (Notice I didn’t say attractions). That’s the nature of the journey. If perfect peace was easy to obtain then everyone would have it…. Well maybe not. There are some people just live for drama and dysfunction no matter how much you try to lead them to a place of peace. People with a spirit of dysfunction will never be able to coexist with someone in pursuit of a state of perfect peace. Never.
The pursuit of perfect peace is not for the faint of heart. It requires a strong emotional constitution and a never say die attitude. Dictionary.com defines Pursuit as an effort to secure or attain; a quest. A couple of words stand out of that definition for me. The first being Effort…. nuff’ said. The second is Quest. A quest is a search or pursuit made in order to find or obtain something. These two words stand out to me because they imply participation and engagement. You have to be personally invested in the improvement of your own quality life. No one else can do it for you. The world we live in today is so full of stressors that can discourage and frustrate the most optimistic of us. Nonetheless, the obtaining of peace…. perfect peace …. is the ultimate motivator. Once you get a taste of how it feels to have peace of mind you will never again tolerate messiness or messy people. You will not entertain unnecessary drama and foolishness from anyone. You become more decisive and you will be able to easily discern what is best for you. Peace of mind brings clarity. Peace of mind brings stability. Peace of mind provides you with an overall sense of well being.
I made an earlier reference to the promises of God. I leave you with one that has helped me during those times when the enemy has unleashed an all out of assault on my peace of mind and state of well being. It comes from the book of Philippians and I pray that it blesses you:
“Be Careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the Peace of God which surpasseth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. “ – Philippians 4: 6,7
