Can we have peace?

Most of us smile about the ostrich which allegedly sticks its head in the sand to hide from danger.

Googling reveals the truth: “As flightless birds, ostriches are unable to build nests in trees, so they lay their eggs in holes dug in the ground. To make sure that the eggs are evenly heated, they occasionally stick their heads into the nest to rotate the eggs, which makes it look like they’re trying to hide, hence the myth.”

Nature often teaches. Burying our heads in the sand when danger presents is never wise. However, the true lesson of the ostrich is this: “Find what meets your needs and use it to your best advantage.”

Ostriches don’t have our highly developed brains, but their instincts are keen. We humans, on the other hand, have vast amounts of knowledge; yet our instincts find it hard to live in peace.  God is with us through prayer. We have peace that may seem incomprehensible. This peace is experienced and enjoyed for those who know how to “plug in.” For Christians, it comes through dedicating our lives to the amazing truths found in Scripture. 

Proverbs 3: 5-6, reveals, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Wow!  A “peacemaker.” And, it works.

When we pray, we face our fears head on--rather than bottling them up in our psyches. The latter is a recipe for both anxiety and depression. Today, more and more people are using alcohol or drugs in order to manage life’s experiences. One of the many Biblical passages that help with getting through the difficulties of life is from Phillipians 4: 6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” There are many Biblical passages that teach us how to grow in faith while coming into an expanded knowledge of what God has in mind for us.

Many scripture passages help us let go of our worries, our fears. Philippians 4:6-7 is a favorite, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

Martin Luther was asked once why we need to read scripture every day. He said, "Because we forget." This is an amazing three-word answer. And so true. The world around us captivates our attention so fully, hour-by-hour, that it can frazzle the truths of Holy Writ--unless we learn to prioritize the scriptures within our daily living. This takes practice and prayer. And, there is nothing more peaceful than a life laced with prayer.

Peace be with you!