This inspired lesson is about having peace & tranquility on the inside, even when the world outside seems to be in chaos. Although this notion is common sense, fulfilling this ideal is often a tough task – especially in light of current health, economic, social, and political issues. As always, when receiving these lessons, I disconnect from my own ego and simply listen. In fact, I often find that the lessons are as much for me as they are for others. I too have been having a tough time regarding finding inner peace, so let’s read & learn from what’s being said. Then, as always, I’ll offer a quick summary at the end. (And please remember, I do not edit what I receive. Sometimes these lessons come utilizing more religious terms such as God or even Holy Spirit. Please take these as best fits your notion of a Higher Power and realize they are not about religion. Read and understand the lesson being conveyed as opposed to get caught up in the terminology.)

“Arbitrary words are never enough if we feel inside the absence of peace, for no fortitude exists when our inner world is not devoid of turmoil.

We cannot in good faith ever persevere if we are constantly avowing a state of distress, victim-hood, or even anger – for these are disruptive states to our internal well-being and to our very soul.

How then, despite any outer conditions, can we expect to find a place of tranquility?

It is not from the outside in that we seek peace, but rather from the inside out.

The world will not always feel like a safe place. Our loved ones may not always provide the support and love we desire. Our friends may not always be there for us, and even our children may abandon us as they move forward with their own lives.

The best we can hope for in a world of tumultuous and perilous experiences is to find the inner love and joy of peace that surrenders us unto God and the Holy Spirit. It is here, in the succor of God’s embrace that we find peace and a release from the science and debauchery and evils of the world. There can be no outer goodness without first a sense of inner goodness, and if we cannot find it in the world or even amongst those we love and trust, then whom can we trust save God.

We should never underestimate the power of God’s love in our lives – even when we don’t feel it or perhaps even don’t believe it’s there. After all, how can God’s presence be felt in the absence of peace – even if it is the very thing we seek?

It is not enough to say to God, “Please give me peace,” but rather to ask “Show me peace,” or “What must I do to have peace in this moment.”

For what God gives is not the salvation away from one’s lack of peace, but rather the awareness for how to find it within one’s self. This often involves the shattering of old beliefs, of having faith in the process of love – both within us and within the world – even when this does not seem the case.

Can you not see how faith is a part of the inner peace we need to have in order to heal? For it is here that we can say, “God has it.”

But just because we know God has it under control does not mean we do nothing. On the contrary, we are often asked to do much to accord this peace we so desire. How is it then we pray and yet sit back and say ‘God has it?’ Indeed He does, but He also needs you to be the mortal instrument that allows that said peace to erupt into the world, but how can this take place when you don’t even know it for yourself?

So take stock in your fears. It’s ok to have them, but then let them go and turn your face towards courage. Despite the fear, what in it inspires you to fight, to stand up, and to resist the darkness? Use whatever means necessary to find the love within you that loves the light and resists the dark – both within and without, for until you vanquish the inner darkness, how can ever expect to stand brave before the outer darkness?

Fear, mistrust, denial, anger, and even bitter hatred for one’s fellow man will never accomplish a state of peace for you or anyone else – let alone the world.

This does not mean we stand idly by and allow the world to crumble as we merely wish for peace through inner thought. It does, however, mean that we desire a sense of courage and willfulness for ourselves and for our world and for our fellow man – even in his ignorance as we see it. For they too desire peace and yet do not know how to seek it.

To say we envy others is to say we believe they have found a secret or have a possession that we do not, but all seek peace in the eyes of God, and until one finds it in their own heart, it is impossible to give it to others as well.

Pray you now to the one you call God, in whatever form makes your heart smile, and allow His wisdom and words to guide you to the courage and transparency you need to transform your own darkness into the light. Only upon doing so can you even begin to find an inner peace that will allow the world around you to seemingly change – both literally and figuratively.”

Summary: In reading this lesson, I think we are all being given a bit of a scolding here – or perhaps that was my take on it. Maybe it came across differently for you. Either way, let’s look at some of the insights in this week’s lesson, and allow me to clarify a few passages that may be a bit hazy in their wording.

#1. Clearly, we all know we need inner peace, however, none of us are devoid of falling prey to inner states that defy that peace. But remember, we won’t have success without first having inner peace.

#2. The biggest thing we need to understand is that peace must come from within, regardless of what’s happening in the world around us.

#3. Yes, this is easier said than done, and there is a recognition that this can be a challenge.

#4. When the world around us robs us of our peace and we are unable to transcend our inner turmoil, this lesson steers us towards God. This idea is the essence of virtually every major religion and spiritual tradition, so we shouldn’t be offended by this concept. This lesson also says to pray to the Divine Source that makes your heart smile – meaning God is there for all people, regardless of the name you call on. Just make the call.

#5. There is however a reference to also calling upon the Holy Spirit, and I have to confess I myself was surprised to hear this terminology. I am not one to use the term ‘Holy Spirit’ in any of my work, so I had to make note that something extra was being offered by its use. This unique terminology does two things. First, it reminds me that the message is through me and not from me. Secondly and more importantly, it refers to the fact that we should not just call on God, but we also must allow the Holy Spirit to infuse us with an essence of peace. What does this mean? It means we don’t just pray to God and ask for peace. We must also allow the actual feeling of inner peace to overtake us. Like the inhaling of incense or perfume, we need to breathe in the inner peace from God until we can actually feel it becoming a part of our nature. We don’t just ask for peace, but we must also allow the feeling to be a part of the process. In this way, we are ‘given’ the very peace we request so we will know what it feels like and how to find it again for ourselves.

#6. On the other hand, even though we may breathe in and gain this inner peace from God, this lesson is also clear to express that the peace we desire must also be learned and developed on our own. We have work to do in order to find a state of inner peace without the need for turning to God each time. Once again, we are led to being proactive regarding our emotional states and the transformation of these into light-giving and sustaining forces. i.e. finding courage and overcoming mistrust, denial, anger, and even bitter hatred.

#7. Faith is also addressed in this lesson as we are told that even in the face of worldly tribulations, God has things under control. It probably doesn’t feel that way. I know lately it hasn’t felt this way for me at all, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Even if we don’t understand why things are happening the way they are, we need to have faith and trust that everything is happening for a reason and that God has it all under control.

#8. However, once again, despite having faith that God has it under control, this shouldn’t mean that we become passive and just set back and allow the darkness to exist in the world around us. If we wish to become a part of the solution and not the problem, then we need to vanquish our inner turmoil, call on God for aid, have faith & trust in the Divine plan, but also be willing to work and serve the light in being a part of that Divine plan. It is here where we are called to action, to support God’s plan for the world, but only after we have mastered ourselves. Don’t stop at the level of faith and inner peace for yourself because this alone does not change the world. It helps, but it still requires more, and that more requires an outward action on our part.

#9. Everyone desires inner peace but until you find it for yourself you can’t help anyone else find it. Work on you first!

#10. And last but not least, you are asked to pray and ask for guidance and insight. But remember, asking alone is not where the work begins. After asking, you must also listen and receive the answer, then be willing to do the work asked of you.

Thanks for joining me for today’s Sunday’s lesson. Let it guide you throughout the week and once you ask for peace, see how God answers you and what comes up for you. I also recommend that you go back and read it a few times. These messages are filled with insight if you really take in all that’s being shared.

Have comments or thoughts? Pop over to my facebook page and share what you think!

Blessings & Wellness,

Carol