COMFORT OUR HEARTS WITH PEACE: DECLUTTER

SUNDAY, WEEK TWO: PEACE

As we prepare our rooms to foster more Peace this week, let’s begin by removing the clutter that detracts from it. The Peace of Christ comes to give us freedom from disturbance–freedom from worry, fear, doubt, weariness, demands, interruptions, and other pressures that upset our souls. Look around the room of your heart–where do you envision the clutter that detracts from your peace?

Perhaps you picture headlines with more bad news… a very full calendar… recent medical test results… a storm brewing outside your window… an angry text from a coworker. Some of this clutter can be mindfully remedied or reduced–but for the clutter that seems especially burdensome, we can ask the God of Peace to help us…

Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

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Shortly after we moved into our current home, we prioritized getting one room in order, so that in the midst of the mess, we could retreat into that room for a bit of serenity. I think Jesus had a similar idea when he said, “But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:6). I do find that I am more peaceful and prayerful when I remove the clutter that distracts and stresses me.

Today my peace is cluttered by a new concern for Jim’s heart. Eight years ago, he had open-heart surgery to remove an aortic aneurysm and repair the aortic valve. This valve is leaking again, and his aorta is being monitored for additional expansion. Our peace is hampered by our worries about his health and a possible second surgery.

This clutter feels especially heavy, so as I ask God to help us, I remember how God helped us before. I cling to God’s promises of hope and now, peace. I try to enter that quiet space within my heart-room, that place where Peace has reigned before, to absorb God’s compassionate and steadying presence.

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
(Psalm 62:5-7)

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Is any clutter disturbing your peace today? What might you do to remove or remedy that clutter? The Peace of Christ does abide in our hearts, and we can discover this infinite and incredible Peace–even by clearing just one small space.

Bible verses are NRSVUE, found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
Photo by Karen