For those of you who live in Wisconsin, you know the chaotic times of laws being challenged over COVID-19.  Are stores open or not?  What are the expectations when you go out to get a hair cut, eat at a restaurant or even go to church?  And even if you don’t live in Wisconsin, every day brings new information, a different statistic or someone else’s opinion.  No wonder it is hard for your soul to find peace.  Bombardment of conflicting information abounds.

On top of that, you may be sheltered at home with a group of people and find it difficult to get any kind of quiet, stillness or rest for your soul.  There’s not one quiet spot in your household.  Others of you may be finding it to be too quiet. For me, it is the chattering of my mind that is the loudest!

Regardless of your outward circumstances, the question is,

How do you find peace for your soul during these chaotic times?

Remember these chaotic times will not last forever

In the middle of all this chaos, it is hard to remember what life was like before the virus hit, and right in the middle of things, it is hard to imagine what it will be like after the virus is contained.  However, it will be contained, eventually.  It is the waiting that is challenging.  I know I wonder what life will be like in the months to come.

Like prisoners of war times during the war, the men who were overly optimistic, such as they thought they would get out any day, lost hope. Because they did not take each day at a time, slowly they withered away in their confinement.  Instead, those that took one day at a time made it through tortuous times, even thrived, because they would only stay in the day.

You can take each day at a time, finding joy in the moment and know that His wrap-around presence is all you need.  By seeking Him each day, you stay present in the moment and don’t let the waiting, wondering and the what if’s weigh you down.  He says don’t let worry about tomorrow weigh you down.

You know it will end. He knows the bigger picture.  Embrace Him. The important part is how you take each day in the journey.

Focus on what you are learning.

What are you learning during this time?  What does bring you peace and joy? Embrace the peace of each day.  If you are not sure, take some time at the end of each day, or the beginning of every morning and ask.

What God, do you want me to notice today?

You certainly don’t want this unusual time and space to go unnoticed. What might God want to show you about yourself, your family, even your future?

I personally am surprised at the rhythms of my day, the contentment I feel at being home and getting little projects done and enjoying the beauty of spring as everything greens up.  I am enjoying writing a book about real conversations of prayer.

I, of course, miss my extended family immensely, yet God is reminding me He’s got them covered.  I am learning more about how little I really need at this point of my life.  I also know I need to practice quiet and rest. He is gently pointing that out to me.

Ask what it is that your soul needs for peace.

In the scriptures, there are lots of ways God talks about peace.  Often times, peace and rest are together or a vision of peace is seen in resting.  I think of peace when I read,

He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters and He refreshes my soul.  (Psalm 23:2-3, NIV)

Isn’t that a great visual in those verses?  Getting peace in chaotic times may have you calming your mind, body and emotions so that you can lean into His rest, His refreshment.

Calming measures for your body could be a walk, exercise, even yoga.

Calming for your mind can be a good book, pleasant aromas, sitting on your back porch with a cup of tea.  And finally calming the emotions can be listing your gratitudes, listening to worship music or giving yourself a hug.

Sometimes even journaling will help get those thoughts and emotions out so you are no longer carrying unnecessary baggage.

He tells us not to be anxious about anything but to bring it to Him.  Search your soul for what is interfering with your peace.  Even ask God to show you what is interfering with your peace.  He will show you what you need to give over to Him. In order to rest and find peace. Have that heart to heart with God and leave your anxieties with Him.

What about you?

How can you have a real prayer conversation with God?  It may take several times, every day to give what is weighing on you over to God.  However, as you begin to sit with God, you can Him your worries and concerns, and notice where He is at work,

The peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, NIV)

Finally, as you begin to experience peace, you’ll be able to share it with others.  What is better than that?

I am praying peace over you, friends.  These are such challenging times.  May you be able to talk them over with the God who loves you so much and wants to bring you peace.

Blessings,

Nancy

Nancy Booth wants to create safe spaces for you, helping you find ways to have two-way conversations with God.  She loves encouraging you to look for ways He is at work. Nancy is a spiritual director and writer.  She would love to accompany you on your journey of discovery to hear and see more of the God who delights in you.  Peace, hope and freedom could be yours Contact her today..