Finding Peace in an Angry, Anxious, Crazy World

We live in the “age of anxiety.” We all feel it to a certain degree.

A sense that the world is out of control. An awareness that our own emotions are often out of control.

We long for peace. Inner peace. An inner sanctum. A feeling of security.

But the waves of the world keep flooding into our makeshift mental havens.

How do you find peace in the midst of a crazy world?

First, we must understand what true peace is.

Peace is relational by nature. It can’t be found in an individual, isolated, self-focused pursuit.

Peace with God…flows into peace with others…bringing peace within.

Inner peace is a by-product of relational peace.

We were created for relationship…relationship with God and relationship with others…and peace, wholeness, shalom is found when these relationships are in proper order.

Of course, many people are willing to grant that relationships with others are vitally important. But some will balk at the notion that relationship with God is somehow necessary.

But the problem with our human relationships originates in our wills. We quite simply don’t like submitting to another person. We want our own way…and we want others to bow to our needs…our opinions…our wants…our desires.

Just watch a two-year old and you will see the naked human heart in operation.

I want. I cry. I whine.

To get my way.

The battle of wills is the hidden war behind our conflicts.

So what breaks the impasse? Who submits? Who yields their will?

Two people under submission to a higher authority…both yielded…both aware of their limitations, their creatureliness…both on equal footing in humility…are in the best position to yield to one another.

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. (James 3:16-17a)

So first I kneel my will before God…then I learn to yield my will with others.

This is the beginning of peace.

Not to say that all this is easy.

I have had my own battles with anxiety. Still do. But I am learning more and more about myself in the battle.

Hard to admit…but there is an element of pride in my anxiety. I fear failure before others. I fear appearing weak. I fear my own inadequacy. I fear being exposed…as weak, frail, limited, mortal…which ironically is the very thing I am.

So I tend to run to self-made props of adequacy…or to entertaining distractions…or to false masks before others…or to things that promise to numb the feelings of feebleness…

To things that promise peace.

But can’t deliver.

Because they are running in exactly the opposite direction of the place of peace.

Surrender before God.

Vulnerability with others.

Jesus gave the invitation to peace two thousand years ago.

He invited us into rest…into serenity…into security.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

The yoke is the symbol of submission.

It is putting your life under the authority of another.

But this One is not a slave driver.

But a God of humility. A God of grace. A God of love.

A God with nail-pierced hands.

And in His arms…humble…yielded…vulnerable…we finally find rest.

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