The Search for Peace.
And where to find it.
I sway side to side as I watch my son’s eyelids slowly close, fluttering a few times as he nestles deeper into my arms.
I’m standing in front of his crib; a spot I’ve stood in so many times that my footprints are worn into the carpet. It’s the sweetest, most tender spot in our home. I have probably spent hours swaying in this spot, if you add up all the minutes. Shushing him to sleep, snuggling him a few more minutes, and praying over him before I lay him down.
It’s the spot where I’ve cried many tears of pure exhaustion; sleep deprivation is a beast. It’s a place where I’ve worried about so many things—about my children, my ability to parent, life stressors—basically everything.
In the quiet of his nursery, my mind comes alive with stress and worry.
Yet if you look at my son’s face as he falls asleep in my arms, all you see is peace.
He sleeps peacefully while I am consumed with worry. I ponder the difference, and cannot help but wonder—perhaps the difference is not based on ourselves, but rather, based on who we’re resting in.
//
We are restless in our search for peace. We struggle to find contentment in our present circumstances; we are either constantly looking in the rearview mirror, wishing for what was, or we can barely look out over the steering wheel as we fret about what unknowns lie ahead.
It seems everyone has an opinion on where we can find peace. Influencers and ads flood our feeds with ways to improve ourselves and our circumstances, with the promise that after we buy this-life-changing-thing, then we will have what we want—aka, be at peace.
The list is endless—lose the weight, get the promotion, have the newest tech, take the vacation, read this book, buy this program, join that group, eat this food, drink that smoothie, take this supplement, vote for this person, buy the bigger house, upgrade your car—then you’ll finally be at peace with yourself, others, and your life!
None of what I listed above will ever give you perfect, lasting peace. It might help or provide temporary reprieve, but it won’t be long until we’re back on the quest for the next best thing that will bring contentment and peace.
It’s exhausting to chase peace over and over and over.
The irony is not lost on me that we run ourselves to the ground, in the attempt to find a state of tranquility and harmony.
//
My son rests easily in my arms.
When he falls down and gets a boo-boo, it’s me he reaches for.
When he’s sick and wakes up crying in his crib, he almost immediately settles in my arms as I hold him close.
During thunderstorms, when the house shakes with thunder, he relaxes as he rests his head on my shoulder.
After he gets his shots at the doctor’s office, it’s my embrace that calms him.
It’s not his circumstances that change in any of these scenarios.
It’s who’s holding him that makes the difference.
//
Who, or what, are we resting in? Who, or what, is holding us during challenging times? Where are we seeking comfort?
The world has a lot of suggestions on where we can find peace—but none of those will last long.
Perfect, lasting peace is not found in a person, a political party, a place, or a possession.
Perfect, lasting peace is found in His Presence.
//
We know this world is full of trouble. One look at the headlines will tell you that.
But as followers of Christ, we are not left with trouble.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. —John 16:33 NIV (emphasis added)
When disappointments arise, when things don’t make sense, and when we feel like we are barely treading water, we do not have to be troubled or afraid.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. —John 14:27 NIV (emphasis added)
As Christians, we have the opportunity to guard our hearts with something more powerful than anything the world can offer—His peace.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:7 NIV (emphasis added)
God is with us. Every moment of every day. In His abundant grace, He gives us peace at all times and in every way—but it’s up to us to accept it. We have the choice to turn our eyes toward heaven, or we can lock our eyes on what the world is screaming at us to see.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. —2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV (emphasis added)
//
I’m still swaying side to side next to my son’s crib. I feel him fully relax; he’s peacefully asleep.
The thoughts and worries begin to flood my mind, like they normally do. This time, I choose to pray instead of entertain them.
Lord, I choose to rest in Your peace. Flood my heart and mind with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank You for the peace you abundantly give, and help me lean into it in every moment, of every day.
This post is part of a blog hop with Exhale—an online community of women pursuing creativity alongside motherhood, led by the writing team behind Coffee + Crumbs. Click here to view the next post in the series "Peace."
Great read!