Peace of Mind

November 2007

Prayer

Lord, we are constantly seeking peace of mind, but we would have more of it if we did not constantly concern ourselves with what others say and do—which is no concern of ours. Why would we think we can meddle in affairs not our own, and still have peace of soul? Why would we think that we can be always seeking distractions and novelties and still have peace of soul? Teach us, Lord, not to look outward at transient things but to look inward where you speak to our soul.

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” We are the blessed when we turn our hearts to God and center ourselves on God.

Why were some devout Christians so at peace in the midst of all the turmoil and trouble of the world? They have given up on earthly desires. They are no longer interested in that sort of thing. Thus, they are able to follow God with all their heart and dwell on him in their innermost thoughts.

Lord, we are too occupied with our own whims and fancies, too taken up with passing things. We have clothed our lives in bad habits, and seldom do we overcome even one of these. We have no desire to draw nearer to you. Hence, we remain cold and indifferent. We are not serious about our religion. That is why we are so easily distracted; that is why we dance after every novelty, because we are not serious about you, Lord. We do not appreciate divine things, and hence we do not have much experience of such things.

The greatest obstacle, indeed, the only obstacle, to our progress in holiness is our frivolousness with regard to divine things. We are not really committed to the good old way of the saints. Thus, when we encounter some slight difficulty, we are too easily dejected. We say, “This is hard,” and we give it up. If we had even half a commitment, we should not be so easily deterred. We expect our soldiers to stand courageously on the field of battle. Why should we expect less of ourselves when we stand on a spiritual battlefield? We should expect more of ourselves because the help of the Lord will surely sustain us.

If we let our progress in holiness depend on external things: like so church services attended, so many Bible verses read, so many prayers said, then we shall make little actual progress.

This is a matter of the heart. We must turn in our hearts and souls and dwell upon you alone, O lord. That is the secret way to peace of mind. Help us to pursue that way, my lord and my God. Amen

If you have questions or comments, email Tony Grant

Last Modified: 01/14/08