By Mary Jacks of Redmond, Oregon USA
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.
“Life happens when you’re busy making other plans!” I said starting to leave a store in my town, repeating this quote attributed to John Lennon. The owner had been sharing with me some hard times in her life that she and her family were experiencing. “Yes!” she said. “That is so true, and it is so hard!” All of us experience difficult times throughout our entire lives.
As I journey in life I learn new things. One new learning has been to look at the clutter or “stuff” in my life. I have found the outer clutter and inner clutter are related and are reflections of each other. As Christine Valters Painter shares (Daily Nourishment, Abbey of the Arts, 27 February 2024), removing some of the external clutter or “stuff” in my life ultimately creates a sense of inner spaciousness as well!
This has opened me to more healing and learnings as evidenced in my dreams with help from my spiritual director, classes, spiritual practices, and nature where I have learned to love myself more deeply and feel connected to all. I continue to fall into the hands of a living God (Hebrews 10:31). I give myself to it and don’t fight it as Richard Rohr states (Richard Rohr Daily Meditation, 18 January 2024). This falling into the abyss is an experience of ground, of rock, of foundation. For me this is a place of endless mysterious knowability and trust. It is not ego or personality. I give up control to a Loving Presence, to a Loving Mystery! I have an everlasting rock as I find peace with God.
Lately as I drive to the post office, I see a community of doves congregating on a power line. Filled with joy and wonder, I am called as a member of my community to be generous with this mysterious love that I am grounded in totally. Those birds don’t have personal “stuff” that they bring to the daily congregation on the power line. I don’t need to have outer “stuff” either, just inner love and the desire to express it.
Each of us has our own way of finding peace with God! Through the nudges of the Holy Spirit, being the Christ in the form of my body and soul, I profess peace with this everlasting rock of my foundation, God.
Prayer Phrase
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
Hope in the Present
Take a moment to pause and reflect on where hope is present in your life. Write down three things that give you hope. It could be a kind word from a friend, the warmth of the sun, or progress toward a goal. If you are facing difficulties, gently remind yourself: “Even now, hope is present. Even now, something new is possible.” Express gratitude for this hope knowing that each day is an opportunity for renewal.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.