“May there be peace within your walls, and security within your palaces.  For the sake of my relatives, I will say, ‘Peace be with you.’”

Psalm 122:7-8

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• This passage from the Book of Psalms is often titled, “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.” Jerusalem here represents the peaceful foundation or dwelling where peace resides. It can literally mean peace for the city of Jerusalem, but it also means your personal peace of mind.
• The Psalmist is expressing their desire for peace in their lifetime, not only an outer peace in the world around them, but inner peace, too. Furthermore, this desire expands as they affirm peace for everyone’s sake, their loved ones as well as strangers.
• In his essay, “The One Thing That Matters,” Metaphysician Emmet Fox teaches:

“The most important of all things to possess is Peace of Mind.  There is absolutely nothing in the world that is equal in value to that.  Nothing else that life can offer is so important, and yet . . . many people . . . strive both spiritually and materially for everything else under the sun; whereas, if they had everything else, and still lacked Peace of Mind, they would be miserable.”

• True peace of mind, the kind that Jesus and all other spiritual masters know, provides security. It’s the foundation upon which you build your life and how you respond to whatever is occurring within you and around you.
• Your sense of security is found in your consciousness (mindset) and your perspective of life. It’s rarely found in material possessions. For example, if you generally see life as a battle you must win, maybe at all costs, no amount of money or power will ever bring you inner peace because your mindset is on fighting.  So, you base your security on your won-loss record, rather than on your capacity for connection and compassion.  Your energy, then, flows toward being “right” rather than being gracious or loving.
• Demonstration is your evidence of what does or doesn’t work in your life. You demonstrate peace of mind when you act, rather than react, to life’s ups and downs. Whatever peace you desire is achieved through your thoughts and intentions.  If you truly intend peace, then that’s where you must direct your energy.
• Peace is an element of Advent, the contemplative season which prepares us for Christmas. But even if Advent isn’t part of your spiritual practice, you can still feel the contentment of the peace that passes all understanding.

Contemplation Questions:

As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:

• How do I define security?
  • List, word map, or illustrate your own personal definition. Remember to include both the tangible (such as a healthy body) and intangible (such as effort and energy).

• In which aspects of my life, do I want to feel more inner peace?
  • List, word map, or illustrate each aspect. Note all you imagine, no matter how insignificant it seems.

• When I contemplate these various aspects, in what ways have I been striving for something other than peace?
  • List, word map, or illustrate the ways.

• How have I been attempting to feel secure without peace being my first priority?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as applies. In particular, notice any ways you may be trying to force your will, beliefs, or ideas.

• What are at least three (3) ways I can ensure that peace of mind is my top priority?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you imagine.

Use this devotional anytime you want to feel more peace of mind.  Also, remember that your job isn’t to know how everything in life will be accomplished.  That’s God’s job.  So, release the need to have all your answers now, and let peace reside within you.  Bask in its gentle presence and warming radiance.  Keep trusting your intuition as you let your life unfold.

© 2023 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.

Photo from Shutterstock by castigatio.