Finding Peace

Recently, on a family trip to visit relatives, I walked to a coffee shop next to our hotel to grab some espresso for my husband and me. While I was there, a hang-up occurred with my order, resulting in me receiving only one caffeine-filled cup instead of two. Before I realized that no coffee was coming, I stood aside and watched these baristas mechanically, yet joyfully, make these morning drinks for customers.

Each worker seemed happy.

Maybe it was their elevated a.m. caffeine intake that had given them a little extra pep in their step, or perhaps it was because they were doing something they truly enjoyed. Either way, when I told them of my missing cup of joe, they profusely apologized and made my husband’s coffee as fast as they could.

As I walked back to the hotel, I thought about the joy I saw in these workers. I quickly noticed the rushing stream behind me as well as the vast mountains standing in the background, and I admired the view ahead of me.

Before I knew it, I found myself asking, “What really fills my cup?”

That day, I had a lovely cup of iced espresso with a side of refreshing mountain air and revived vacation spirit. However, most days, the peace that accompanied me on that particular day is harder to find. Instead of peace and beauty, my thoughts can be filled with the stress of endless laundry, deadlines, appointments, and other tasks fighting for my attention.

It seems I am not the only one.

In 2021, Gallup asked adults in 122 countries “how often they feel at peace with their thoughts and feelings.” It reported a wide range of results. However, when it came to Americans, the number of those who “always” felt at peace shifted dramatically. The article on Gallup’s website explained,

“Compared with their counterparts in Latin America, people in countries in Northern America -- including the U.S. (28%) and Canada (26%) -- are significantly less likely to say they always feel at peace with their thoughts and feeling[s].”

Peace is lacking.

Often, in search of this concept, individuals will turn to different types of medications, counseling, or other means to try to find the missing peace that they desire. I, myself, have also faced this struggle in the past and sought the help of some of these practices. I also fully believe that they are necessary for many.

But as believers, when nothing else helps, what can we really, and practically, do to face our anxieties and choose peace above the rest of the noise throughout our days?

In a very helpful Ramsey Solutions article, Dr. John Delony gave “16 reasons to find peace of mind,” ranging from journaling to sleeping, praying, listening to music, and more.

I agree that any of these reasons can offer aid in our journey to finding peace. But I would also like to add a 17th and 18th reason – Scripture reading and memorization.

Psalm 119 offers some great insight into the importance of clinging to what the Lord says.

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You (9-11).

When we lack peace and are anxious, if not careful, we can turn to things that are not beneficial to our walk with the Lord. But by choosing to recall his words and truths, we are adding to our arsenal to defend not only our faith but also to fight the fiery darts of any emotion that may come our way.

How can we do this?

One way is to pick a verse, commit to memorizing it, and use it when peace seems hard to find. Better yet, learn a verse that has a physical connection and can always point towards peace, regardless of whether or not you are anxious at the moment.

For example, every time I see a wildflower, I instantly recall the passage found in Matthew 6 that specifically discusses worrying. But because the passage mentions a wildflower, each time I see one, I am reminded of how the Lord commands us not to worry and that he has (and will) take care of us.

Peace is attainable.

But to find it, we must listen to the words of Scripture and of the Prince of Peace himself.

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