Where is your Peace?

Finding Peace for Physical Health: A Gift from God

Have you ever noticed how stress seems to manifest in your body? Headaches, stomachaches, and trouble sleeping are just a few ways our physical health can suffer when our minds are constantly racing. The good news is, finding peace can be a powerful tool for promoting physical well-being.

Did you know? The CDC reports that a staggering 85% of physical illnesses may have an emotional root.That is an astronomically high percentage that we are not talking about and possibly not addressing. This highlights the connection between our minds and bodies. While we often treat physical ailments, exploring and addressing underlying emotions can be a crucial piece of the healing puzzle. It is important to PROTECT your PEACE and in turn PROTECT your BODY.

The Bible offers a beautiful promise in Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.” In this verse, God instructs the Israelites facing an overwhelming challenge to find peace and trust in His power to deliver them. This concept extends far beyond a single battle; it’s a reminder that true peace is a cornerstone of a healthy life. Peace is not a posture, it is a presence…Jesus’ presence. He, the Prince of Peace, is Peace according Ephesians 2, “For he himself is our peace.” We have to come into His presence to experience Him…true Peace.

Here’s how finding peace can benefit your physical health:

• Reduces Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness. Peace, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and a healthy stress response.
• Improves Sleep: When our minds are calm, we’re more likely to get quality sleep, which is crucial for physical and mental well-being.
• Lowers Blood Pressure: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. Peace can help regulate blood pressure and promote cardiovascular health.
• Aids Digestion: Stress can disrupt digestion, leading to digestive issues. Peace can create a calmer environment for the digestive system to function optimally.

When my daughter was a toddler, she would often loose her joy and peace. What toddler doesn’t…right? We developed a process for her to obtain that peace and joy through her own will. She needed tools to obtain peace as she grew older, so why not start small. We called it “Where’s your joy?” or “Where’s your peace?” It always started with us asking those questions. She would then hurry off to her room or wherever she was last to look for it, as if it were a real tangible thing hiding under her bed covers, or in her closet…or maybe she just left it in the backyard. Eventually, she would back to thing that caused her to loose her peace and joy. We would talk it out and she would regain her peace and joy. Regardless, she had a process. We need a process to finding our Peace…His very presence. What does that look like for you?

How can God help you find peace?

The Bible is filled with verses offering comfort and guidance. Here are a few ways to invite God’s peace into your life:

1. Prayer: Talking to God and expressing your worries can offer a sense of release, surrender to His process for you, and trust.
2. Scripture Reading: Reading calming passages from the Bible can provide comfort, revelation, and shift perspective.
3. Meditation on His Word: Reflecting on God’s promises can foster a sense of peace, joy, and security.
4. Spending Time in Nature: There is something about immersing yourself in the beauty of creation that can be a powerful way to connect with God and experience His peace on a whole other level.

Remember, finding peace is a journey, not a destination. But by incorporating these practices into your life and trusting in God’s presence, you can cultivate a sense of calm that will benefit both your physical and spiritual well-being.

What are some ways or processes you use to obtain Peace? What are some circumstances that you struggle to find Peace? I would love to hear from you!