Turn Toward Peace

(March 24, 2021) I took this photo while hiking a nearby trail. Notice the lowest branches on either side of the trunk. They both started growing straight out from the trunk and then dramatically changed course twice to access the most direct sunlight. You’ve probably seen similar patterns of tree branches reaching for the greatest sunshine. 

This tree can be a simple symbol of our spiritual journeys. Whether we’re aware of it or not, throughout our lives we are being drawn to God by God, just as the tree is drawn to the sun. We grow and make life choices that shape us. Our days may be rewarding in many ways. And then, at different times and for various reasons, we may feel restless. We want to do something a little more meaningful; we want to give a little more. We want to make a difference – or make a bigger difference than we already do. 

Sometimes this restless feeling is God calling us to set our sights higher. He created us, He loves us, and He will draw us closer to Himself if we let Him. Augustine of Hippo said, “Our heart is restless until it rests in You.” This restlessness prompts us to examine what we think, say, and do. We may see a need to make big or small changes to our attitudes, habits, relationships, or how we spend our time and resources. 

“When you turn back to Him with all your heart,

To do what is right before Him,

Then He will turn back to you,

And no longer hide His face from you.”

Tobit 13:6

God wants us to reach out to Him. He knows we’ll be full of the joy and peace we’re craving – HIS joy and peace -- if we abandon our sinful way of doing things and open our minds and hearts to His loving way. We have today! Let’s make the most of this last part of Lent; let’s ask Him to show us what we need to turn to -- or turn away from -- to keep growing in faith toward His peace. “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).

“Lord, give me again the joy of Your help; with a spirit of fervor sustain me.”

-- Psalm 51:12

This article is a personal reflection by Gina Bedell © 2021. It and other reflections written by her invite the reader to ponder a given topic and then seek deeper answers through prayer, additional spiritual reading, and/or consultation with clergy or other persons who may guide the reader to a deeper faith and understanding of God’s love and will for their life.