8 Ways to Exercise Peace in Uncertain Times

"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 it be afraid." John 14:27

#1 Go outside for a walk.

Enjoy nature; fresh air; sunshine. There is no better way to clear your mind of all that weighs you down than to go for a walk in nature. Free your hands of any devices and look outside yourself. Breathe the air and notice how it feels as it fills your lungs, clearing your head of all the noise. Stretch your body and be mindful of every step you make. Acknowledge how you move and be intune with God's love as He captivates you and all your senses. Thank Him for the beauty your eyes are witnessing all around you.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Col. 3:15)

#2 Start or finish a project.

You might have a long forgotten cross stitch piece you've been meaning to work on. A puzzle displayed on your dining room or coffee table that has gathered dust, waiting for you to sit for awhile and finish. There might be an art project you started and other things took precedence before you were done with it. A book or maybe two that you've started and laid to the side for one reason or another, never taking the time to pick it back up. Or it could be something that you wanted to get done but time wouldn't allow; now might be that time you are given. Enjoy!

"The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever." (Isa. 32:17)

#3 Call and check on your parents and grandparents.

In this day and age there are all kinds of ways we can communicate. Calling someone is so under-used now since texting is our primary way of communicating. It is so much more special to hear someone's voice, especially our loved ones. Facetime and skype is a wonderful way to connect when we can't be together during this time (Covid-19). Seeing familiar faces, watching facial expressions and hearing laughter fills your heart with love and renews our spirit.

"I will hear what God the Lord will speak; for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints..." (Ps. 85:8)

#4 Make 'homemade' cards to send to your local nursing home.

As you know all nursing homes have been quarantined so the older folks of our community have been completely cut off from their regular visitors. To receive a bright, cheerful hello from someone might be just what they need to lift their spirits and remind them they are in our thoughts and prayers.

"...Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him." (Isa. 57:19)

#5 Brush up on those cooking skills.

Search for a new recipe to experiment with, or pull out an old family recipe that you remember as a child. Spend time in the kitchen being creative. Bring the family in on this expedition and see what you can come up with. The end result could be good food or atleast good laughter.

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace." (Ps. 37;37)

#6 Get involved in an activity with your children.

Think outside the box. The smallest things will excite your children because you are in it with them. They want to be with you and have your undivided attention. Your children will feed off of your anxiety so take this time to let go and have fun.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:7)

#7 Take extra steps in disinfecting your home everyday.

Wipe down objects you might not think to clean on a regular basis; remotes, car keys, light switches, doorknobs, exercise equipment. A clean home will help ease your mind and reinforce that you have done your part in keeping your family well.

"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means..." (2 Thess. 3:16)

#8 Read God's Word and pray.

Allow this 'down time' to grow your faith deeper in the One who is in control and knows the outcome of all of this. The more out of control we feel the more we can depend on our heavenly Father to guide us through.

"Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." (Luke 7:50)

I love you & He loves you more!

Dear Lord, We face uncertain times right now and I know that You are not surprised by any of this. Hold us and strengthen us as we walk this path. Help us to reach for Your peace instead of treading the waters of fear and doubt. You are our Mighty God in whom we will trust. Thank You for Your perfect peace. In Jesus' name. Amen.