Finding Inner Peace in the Different Seasons of Life

Presented byMrs. Rosia Carter, Sixth Episcopal District

For the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church SummitNew Orleans, Louisiana

September 27, 2012

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the

world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT)

Most people would agree that life is a mixture of good and bad. There are a lot of good things in life. But like a Feast of Good and Plenty, the goodness is soon over. Even the best of good things can afterward leave us feeling empty and even regretful. We all know that God is good. But when was the last time we embraced Him as the ultimate Good or the ultimate Peace in our life?

INTRODUCTION

Too often we let lesser “goods” eclipse our acceptance of the everlasting goodness/peace of God in our lives.

INTRODUCTION

Only God can give you Peace. In a world filled with despair and trouble, we can still take courage. The Holy Spirit lives within us as promised, providing us with His peace and comfort.

INTRODUCTION

Note what the Psalmist says. He explains that God really is good. He is: our preserver (v.1); our goodness-giver (v.2); our blessings provider & blessings protector ( v.5); our counsel and instruction (v.7); our joy supplier, our safety and rest provider (v.9); the one who will not let us continue in our hell (v.10); and the one who makes known our path of life and fills us with joy in His presence (v.11).

INTRODUCTION

Psalm 16 (NLT)1. Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge.2. I said to the Lord, You are my Master! All the good things I have are from you.5. Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.7. I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.

8. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.

9. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety.

10. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your godly one to rot in the grave (KJV – Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell).

11. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living forever.

Our individual journey causes us to travel highways that lead us to and through a myriad of seasons in our personal (life) journey. As we travel, we turn right. We turn left. We yield. We slow down. We drive the speed limit. We stop. We’re even caught in traffic jams caused by others along the way.

We travel through highways and we pull up to streets with names that reflect our various Seasons of Life. Streets named:

So many seasons in our life journey personally and as ministers’ spouses. Because we are ministers’ spouses, our journey as promised when we were born – “of a few days and many troubles” seems to be compounded. The journey will sometimes lead us to streets named:

DEFINITIONS

SEASON

A time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature, a period associated with some phase or activity. (Webster)

PEACE

A state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from oppressive thoughts or emotions. (Webster)

PEACE

“It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart and mind.” (Unknown)

DEFINITIONS

INNER PEACEThe result of a quiet mind. An inner quietness that

allows you to see yourself and the world around you as it is, without any aggression, desires, frustration or stress. You can feel content simply just to be. You do not need to be rich, successful, pretty, or popular to feel this inner calm all you need is to be able to take control of your mind and stop the constant thoughts that repeat themselves over and over again. (www.innerpeace.com)

PEACEFUL PEOPLEInner peace is not a fleeting emotion, but a state of mind.

However, people who find this peace do not simply live every moment with a smile on their face. They still get ill and feel sorrow as they are still human! The only difference is that there is a vast comforting space around such difficult times and an inner knowing that such times will pass. There is also a very light uplifting and joyful feeling towards others and yourself which makes you feel complete. People who achieve this inner quietness generally show a kindness towards all living things and a deep appreciation for the natural world around them. (www.innerpeace.com)

DEFINITIONS

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Imagine for a moment a life void of change or circumstances, periods or seasons of diversity. A world without emotion. Without emotion, we couldn’t experience the delicate joy of holding a newborn baby in our arms.

Apart from emotions we wouldn’t be able to respond to our journey, to the seasons we encounter. God has given us emotions to help us identify our seasons.

God invites us to be honest with Him about what we’re thinking, feeling and experiencing in our lives. He gives us the Psalms to let us know that we can fully disclose ourselves to God the answer to our need for peace.

What Are God’s Promises Concerning Our Concern?

*Write down God’s Promise concerning your dilemma/concern.

*Pray aloud His Promises.

*Consciously practice your reliance on His Promise until it becomes your 1st response in all situations.

Invest in Good MemoriesMake Friends With Your Regrets

Fall In Love with Your Rainy Days Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

SOLUTIONS

Pray offer our emotion or season to God for His help, direction and resolution. Talk to Him without hiding our thoughts, feelings and seasons. He wants to help. Read Psalm 6.

What Does the Word Say About our Dilemmas?*In everything give thanks*Man (woman) should always pray and not faint*Believe when we pray that God hears and answers our prayer

SOLUTIONS

Take Care of Your Physical Body

*Exercise

*Adequate Rest

*Healthy Diet

*Consult a Doctor when necessary

*Laugh

REFERENCES

Feinberg, Margaret (2012) Making Peace With Your Emotions, Women of Faith Study Guide, Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Kalas, J. Ellsworth (2011) I Bought A House On Gratitude Street, Abingdon Press

The Holy Bible, New Living Translation.