Peace Be Still

In the midst of all that is currently going on in our world, I pray this post finds you and your loved ones well. No matter who we are or where we live, we have all been impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic in some way. And though we have all been affected, our experiences and present realities all look very different. For many, the impacts have been severe, causing families to experience sickness, unemployment, loss, and other hardships. And even for those of us who haven’t experienced these particular things, we’ve all been forced into a new rhythm of life. Similarly, this pandemic has created uncertainty in all of our lives as well. Despite our inability to predict the future and control the things happening around us, I want us to remain hopeful, because we have the ability to control our perspective, how we choose to focus our thoughts, and the way we respond to the things that are occurring — all of which have the ability to shift our attitude and the way we perceive our current circumstances. 

For a moment, I want you to pause and think about the eye at the center of a hurricane. Isn’t it ironic that it’s considered the calmest part of the storm even though it’s surrounded by violent winds? Now let’s zoom back out and envision ourselves as the eye at the center of this COVID-19 pandemic. In the most practical sense, our lives have become more calm, more still. However, the more important question is, “Are you having a similar experience internally?” Or have you allowed the turmoil that surrounds us to produce anxiety and fear in your life? 

This is how the disciples responded in Mark 4:35-41 to the storm they encountered during their journey across the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus, on the other hand, slept peacefully during the storm; but was awakened by the disciples shouting with fear and panic in their voices, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” When Jesus woke up, he said “Peace, be still” and the storm ceased. He then turned to the disciples and asked, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”  

I believe Jesus poses the same question to us today. While feelings of anxiety and fear are valid and natural reactions to what we’re experiencing, we have to be careful not to surrender to them and let them overtake our hearts and minds. Jesus provides a beautiful example for us in the passage mentioned above, and we have the same authority over the storms we face in our lives. I strongly believe that if we make a conscious decision to respond by faith and shift our thoughts and perspective, we can experience internal peace even in the midst of today’s crisis.  

This process will look different for everyone; but some of the things that have helped me experience internal peace during this time is being mindful of the content I consume, trusting God, having a positive attitude and embracing the beauty of this season. More specifically, I limit the amount of news that I watch and listen to, because I’ve found that over consumption can incite feelings of worry and fear; and I feed my heart and mind with positive, encouraging, and spiritual content. My faith has also been an anchor for me in this season. While things currently seem out of control, I know that God is sovereign, He is good, He is trustworthy, and He is faithful. I meditate on and speak these truths daily. Also, taking the time to recall His faithfulness towards me in other difficult seasons of my life gives me hope that He will see me through this situation as well. I’ve also chosen to have a positive attitude about things and embrace the beauty of this season.  

While I miss the ability to go out and eat, hang out with friends, attend events, travel, etc., I’m grateful for the stillness that this situation has produced in my life. It’s helped me become more grounded, more focused and more centered. It’s given me a greater appreciation for the things that I often take for granted, and it’s called my attention to the things that truly matter in life.  Another beautiful thing about this season is the gift of time that we’ve been given. We’ve been gifted with time to rest, reflect, and be still. We’ve been blessed with the opportunity to spend quality time and have intentional conversations with our families and friends, even if virtually. We now have more time to focus on and execute our personal goals and complete the long list of to-do’s we’ve been putting off. Lastly, the greatest opportunity we’ve been given is to spend more time with God and grow deeper in our relationships with Him. With many of life’s distractions eliminated, we literally have no excuses. How we choose to utilize this time is up to us.  

My prayer for each of us is that we would walk in good health and experience a greater sense of peace regardless of our circumstances. I pray that we would open our hearts to God and ask Him to reveal the unique purpose of this season and the things we should be prioritizing during this time. My prayer is that we will not sit idly, but use the extra time we’ve been given to better ourselves and accomplish our goals. My prayer is that we would take advantage of this quiet season to gain clarity and direction for our lives. I pray that we will learn to enjoy the present instead of over obsessing about the future. My prayer is that we would invest more time in ourselves, but also seek opportunities to be a blessing to others who may be experiencing hardship during this time. I also pray that we would grow more comfortable being still, so that even when all of this passes we continue to incorporate rest and reflection in our daily lives. Finally, my prayer is that our relationships with our loved ones, friends, and God will grow stronger than ever before.  

With love, 

Imanne 

P.S. Please drop me a comment and let me know how I can be praying for you and your family in this season. Below, I’ve also included a song and a few scriptures for you to mediate on in hopes that they will bring you comfort and peace.

Meditation Scriptures

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:6-9

“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

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10