Peace in Upheaval

In upheaval, people are nervous, frightened, angry, and uncertain. I’m sure there are many more adjectives I could use here. But how many are at peace? And how did they arrive there? I have relatives glued to the news right now, wondering what will happen to our beloved country. I don’t have cable; therefore, I don’t watch.
There are those constantly checking their computer or phone for the latest news. I check a couple of times a day.
Some will pillage and plunder. I will pray.
Some will wear out their carpet, pacing. I will play the piano.
Others will protest. I will sing.
Some will attack those that don’t think as they do. I will be kind.
Some stress themselves out over something they can’t control. I will trust that God is sovereign.
Some will wring their hands with worry. I will lift my hands to heaven and pray.
Others are swept along in the current of doubt and fear. I will sit on a rock near the water and let the sound of the river calm me.

Perspective, faith, and attitude–they are the key.

Perspective is seeing things for what they are in your view. If you choose to see every situation negatively, you will deprive yourself of happiness, joy, peace, and fulfillment. Look at other perspectives. Choose a better view. You can choose to see things in a better light making life more enjoyable. 

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1) What I have faith in is this–God is in control. He is working His plan of redemption even in this wicked generation. He is also just. We may be reaping what we have sown. We, as a nation, have turned our backs on God. There are consequences to our behavior. Our pastor said last Sunday, “We don’t deserve either candidate. We deserve Nero.” Ouch! But true. I pray for God’s mercy. I have faith that God’s Will will be accomplished and that He is working things out for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Attitude is crucial, as well. Do you have a Negative Nelly complex? Or do you have an attitude of gratitude? Do you complain, or do you try to make the best of a bad situation? 

I have done my due diligence. I checked the boxes and cast my vote. Now, I wait with the rest of America. Am I complacent? No. Do I have opinions? Yes. Can worrying, fretting, pacing, screaming, biting my nails, pulling my hair, name-calling, etc. help? No. 

So, what should I do? I will read a good book, play the piano, listen to my favorite music, sing, write, laugh with my husband over dad jokes, and I will pray and trust. I will choose a perspective of joy in any outcome, faith in a perfect and loving God, and have an attitude that will please Him and those around me. These things will keep my heart at peace.

I’ve shared it before, I am happy to share my secret with you again:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all; the Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything with thanksgiving, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, lovely or pure, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think on these things. Philippians 4:4-8