Finding Peace

I think we all can agree that the past month has felt a little strange. It is undeniable that COVID-19 has caused a lot of unexpected changes in each of our lives. It’s an odd feeling when you can’t go to school, can’t see your friends, and for the most part, can’t even leave your house. It can cause anxious thoughts to arise about many different aspects of life. It can be frustrating, lonely, and every emotion in between. Yes, this time of quarantine is trying and hard. Some may find it more difficult than others, but it will always feel a little strange when adjusting to a new (temporary) normal. BUT what would happen if we shifted our perspective? What if we used this time to grow spiritually, learn new things, start good habits, and grow closer relationships with our family? These are all great things that we can do that are both important and will have a positive impact on us. Something else that I have found to be important is rest. Rest is often difficult for people who are always on the go and always have to be doing something (that’s me). But during this time that we are in, we need a different type of rest. This is the only type of rest that can calm any anxious thought and can cure any feeling of loneliness. And this rest can only be found in the One who created us. There is a story found in John 13 where Jesus and His disciples are sharing the Last Supper before Jesus was crucified. John 13:23 (NIV) says, “One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him”. The disciple being spoken of in this verse is John. This is such a simple verse, but it holds power. There is power in knowing that no matter what you are facing in life, you can recline next to Jesus and trust in Him. Our human nature often makes us want to take control of our own lives… but rest. Our minds often want to focus on the negatives of this quarantine and worry about what will happen next… but rest. We must remember that we shouldn’t be attempting to carry a weight that we weren’t meant to carry- we can give it to Jesus. In this time of uncertainty, let’s lean on God and trust that He is working in the midst of this pandemic. Remember that all other names bow to the name of Jesus- including the name Coronavirus.

With love,

Aleigh Townsel

PC '17