The Write Contentment: A Time for Peace

 Hello #JustWrite!! We have made it to the last quarter of 2020 and it seems like the year just began. We all can agree that this year alone brought a lot of turmoil, discord, confusion, distress, unrest, and lack of order. When I saw that this month's theme was about peace, my spirit quickened as I was reminded of how much peace is needed in the world after all that we have experienced and will continue to experience. October 10th was World Mental Health day, a day set aside to acknowledge and share resources/encouragement for those who suffer with mental illness. All of us are or have suffered with a mental infirmity to some degree. After all that we have witnessed thus far, I know I'm not the only one who feels that the current events has triggered occasional moments of anxiety, depression, and other mental struggles. In some cases those struggles are a result of imbalances in the body that can be worked through with counseling, medicine, and alternative methods. The good news is that peace is present when we learn to find contentment in our present state despite adversity and other stressors. The word "peace" has many meanings but in this context, "peace" is defined as a freedom from disturbance; a state of which a war has ended. The subject of peace was discussed briefly in the December 2019 blog as we were closing out the year and preparing for 2020. I wrote on the subject of solace and loneliness as it related to the holiday season and life in general. I never imagined that it was preparing us for what we have experienced this year. Remember, as believers in Christ, we are in this world, not of this world. The Bible speaks on peace that only Christ can give, not what the world can give. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." The scripture commands us to not give in to fear and weariness. Fear has crippled many of us during this time as each day consists of so many different reports. But as always, whose report will we believe? The world is exactly what is presented to us; a flawed mass of mess that should not be a surprise to anyone because it is not our home. I read the following Facebook post from Carine Lewis, a Bible teacher I connected with about 2 years ago at a women's conference: "I don’t think the average Christian in America has a clue to how intentional the god of this world, Satan, is in his schemes. Our ignorance, prayerlessness, addictions, and propensity to walk in division with one another makes his work incredibly easy when in reality, God has given us the kind of authority through Jesus Christ that should make his labor arduous. The Body of Christ should have barriers, but instead we have open doors to who the scriptures call a LION.😩 God, have mercy on your people. Have mercy on me." Whew!! What a powerful plea!! As we exit out of 2020 in the next 2 months, let's stay the course and pray a prayer of peace not only for ourselves but for the world. Also, let's pray that our hearts are content and prepared for what's to come. Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley