Having looked at how we can bring about an environment of peace through our attitude and actions, now I want to look at the concept of inner peace, and how we can feel at peace with our lives and our selves.
I would hazard a guess that peace of heart and mind is in short supply in these days of stress, overwork, anxiety and worry. Working as a counsellor I come across people on a regular basis who are suffering from stress and have no peace in their lives. There are times too when I suffer from stress, and I have come to realise recently that some of the digestive problems I have been struggling with are stress, as well as diet related 
I have been keeping a kind of mental diary of what I’m eating and how I’m feeling, and it’s mainly on the days when I know I have been stressed that I have experienced stomach pain and digestive troubles.
So what is inner peace? The Buddhists would tell us that it is detachment from worldly concerns, and in some ways, that is also true of Christianity. When Jesus told us not to store up earthly treasures, He was referring to a kind of detachment. If I think about it, a lot of stress is connected to such things as acquisition, success, achievement, goals. St. Paul said that he regarded all things as rubbish in comparison to Christ. The Douay-Rheims translation uses the word “dung”! Similarly, St. Benedict exhorted “prefer nothing to Christ”. This I believe, is a great step forward on the path to peace.
What is it that destroys your own inner peace? Is it finance, security, possessions? Is it fear for your own, or your family’s health? Is it rooted in selfishness, as I know mine is…me, me, me? I want time, peace, space, quiet. I chafe against the busy family life God has placed me in from time to time. All these things destroy our peace. Jesus said “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.” This was His promise to the Disciples at the Last Supper, when He also promised to send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to them. The peace Jesus talks about is interwoven with the presence of His Spirit in our lives. The closer we draw to Jesus, and trust in His love for us and His wisdom, the more we will feel at peace.
Last night, I awoke some time in the early hours, feeling extremely anxious about a friend in hospital. There was nothing I could actively do about the situation, which goes for most things that wake us up in the middle of the night ~ but I could pray, and so pray I did ~ and eventually I felt the knot of anxiety in my stomach begin to gently undo itself and relax, until the peace of Jesus overuled my anxiety and I fell asleep, confident in the Lord’s will. Peace is surrendering to the Lord’s will, for my friend and myself. My prayer is that you will all experience the deep and lasting peace of Christ in your hearts today…
What a beautiful picture to go with a beautiful post!
How blessed that you are a counselor as you do have a gift that is visible in your writing, plus you have had some struggles so that makes you able to be an empathizer as well!
Sometimes God also sends people into our lives for guidance in so many different ways, so may I suggest eating live active yogurt or taking acidophilous pills (normally available in health food stores) to help with the acid our stomachs produce when we feel tension and pressure from this world? It has done wonders for me.
blessings and hugs,
marcy
Thank you, marcy!
I have some acidophilous tablets somewhere, which my husband used to take so I will dig them out…I’ve also heard that Manuka honey is good for digestive problems, and also chamomilla, which is found in baby’s homeopathic teething powders! At the moment I am on prescribed meds, but it would be great if I could replace them with a more natural alternative.
God bless,
Mrs.P xx
If the acidophilous tablets aren’t refrigerated, they might not be any good. I have been eating some Dannon yogurt called Activia that they ‘guarantee’ will help your digestive system. I must say that I have had no pain or problems since I started being faithful to taking it everyday.
many blessings on you,
marcy
dh’s digestive problems, very stress related, were helped by a digestion smoothie, i.e. defrosted frozen berries, banana and live youhurt. Activia does help. Its my weakness and I am suffering it now.
I was going to say this is a major issue to me as my closest friend may well be gravely ill which is disturbing my peace – and just at that time others in pain seemed to find me. Prayer was able to release me though last night and by relying on grace thoe I ministered too so ineptly were very grateful and said I helped hugely when I felt anything but.
As a counsellor you must spend your time in the pain and darkness. The light and peace of Christ become so vital then with the life of prayer and the sacraments.