Finding Peace

As women, we are often inundated by societal factors of gender bias, patriarchy, and traditional roles ascribed to us. Are we able to find peace among the various challenges that pose threats to our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being? While raising four young children amid the constant hustle and bustle of this journey called life, I found that achieving, practicing, and maintaining peace seemed elusive and impossible.

I often felt alone, frustrated, tired, and hopeless.

But when I began to share my feelings and experiences with family members and close friends, I realized how similar our stories were. I began to explore an essential question that ultimately changed my life. How do we find this state of tranquility and calm known as peace? Imagine being in a state in which nothing that this life can throw at you will take away your peace. Have you ever experienced this peace that transcends all understanding, or are you still searching for it? One of my favorite Bible verses states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6, NIV). Each morning before sunrise, I find peace through my conversations with God. My closet provides a quiet place for these moments. Resting from routine activities during the Sabbath hours also intentionally helps me to attain peace of mind, body, and spirit. “Great peace have they which love thy law” (Psalm 119:165, KJV). We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14, KJV), and God has created systems within us that allow us to know beforehand when a crisis is building so that we can maintain our peace. Providing awareness to those around us and having important conversations with the individuals closest to us are important.

We must remember to live our lives in Christ and to place our hope and trust in Him. God does not promise us a life free of pain and hardship, but He does provide the strength to endure any struggle. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, NIV).

My prayer is that we will experience the peace God grants us in our day-to-day living.

Eleasia Charles