Risen Christ, Fill us with Your Peace

We live in a world that is vastly different from the world of the first century. We travel further and aren’t dependent on camels or donkeys, but have cars and trucks. We fly without even thinking about it. We also have access to media – television, radio, smart phones, etc.

However, none of these advancements makes for a peaceful life. In fact, some of this “progress” causes a more stressful life for us than our first century brothers and sisters experienced. We are more aware of what is happening in the world around us and not all the news is peaceful or pleasant. Most of the news reports I hear tell of violence, war, upheavals in both the physical and the social world.

I know if there is a major fire or earthquake on continents thousands of miles away. I know how many people were killed in a violent confrontation on the other side of the world, or in my own back yard. We can be so bombarded with negative and frightening information that our stress levels can get out of control. Teenagers who use social media can be so bullied that they commit suicide!

What can we do about this?

My answer is to not watch any more of the news than I need to know – like the weather! I try to follow Paul’s advice to the Philippians and concentrate on what is true and good and beautiful.

Reading the Bible and spending time with my children and grandchildren, enjoying my friends who think and feel much as I do, walking along the seashore or watching a beautiful sunset or sunrise, help me to focus on the good things that God has provided us with and bring me peace.

What can you do today, to bring more peace into your life?

Thank you, Lord, for giving us so much that is true and good and beautiful. You sent your Son so that we can look forward to life with you forever. You give us the wonder of a sky full of stars, flowers, beautiful sunsets and sunrises. May we keep our minds and hearts on you, and then we will know peace. Amen.