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Our peace is a gift from above, but it is a commodity that seems to be challenged at times. We are in a time that many would describe as volatile, rapidly changing, and different from the pre-COVID norm. Living in and navigating the times we are in can be threatening to our inner peace, but it does not have to be. What it does require is for us to be deliberate.

Accessing the peace we need so that we can live starts with believing that we can have peace that “ transcends all understanding. It guards our hearts and our minds.” Fully grasping and holding on to this is really important. Yes, there is all sorts of ridiculousness in the world. Yes, there are things people or you may be dealing with that people can’t comprehend. Still, take the first step and believe.

Process Your Feelings 

One of the things that often gets in the way of our peace is our feelings. Part of our claiming (or reclaiming) peace is processing them. Your feelings are valid. How you feel about things is just that – how YOU feel. Instead of stuffing or being in denial about how you feel, acknowledge your true feelings. If you’re mad, admit it. If you’re sad, admit it. If you’re okay, acknowledge it. If you’re taking everything around you in stride, breathe and lean into that.

It’s important to make sure those feelings do not fully govern what you do, how you think, and what outcomes play out. Our emotions can get the best of us if we let them. Yes, we’re human. Trust me, I’ve been there and felt all the feelings (maybe not all of them but most we can relate to.) In all our human-ness, we still have a responsibility to make sure our emotions don’t run us. We get the opportunity to make sense of them. Finding a healthy outlet is a part of that. Exercise, creating, crying, journaling, or counseling are all healthy outlets. These are not the full gambit but may be a good starting point.

Just Ask. 

Talking to God and asking Him to give us the inner peace we need or want is also an option (and in my opinion, the best one.) The answers to our prayers and requests show up in different ways. Often times the peace we need is in a relationship – family, friend, colleague, or even a stranger. An intentional conversation or quality time can pave the way to processing, understanding, and solutions that we may not have thought of. There are also times when it shows up unexpectedly. Step back and think about when you needed a level of peace that transcends all understanding showed up unexpectedly and gave you the relief you needed.

Regardless of how it shows up, inner peace is something that you can have. Simply ask.