A Prayer for Peace

Waking to news of the horrific plane and helicopter crash in Washington, D.C. last night has my heart confused, hurting, and restless. I cannot imagine the pain the families of those involved must feel. The realization of knowing they will never hug their loved ones again must bring immense pain. We all have experienced loss in one way or another. Unfortunately, it is a part of life, and it is one that is never easy.

A couple of years ago I lost an aunt suddenly following a surgery she had due to fluid in her lungs. While we knew there were risks, we never imagined she wouldn’t come home. The shock, pain, and heartache were overwhelming. I found myself in a spiral of thoughts related to my own mortality and that of all of my loved ones. Fear rooted itself deeply in my heart. I lost sleep and my spirit was continually restless.

I felt stuck in the pain and fear.

That’s when I decided to contact a therapist. I recognized I needed someone to help me navigate the flood of emotions and the thoughts that were stealing my joy and leading me down a path to depression.

There is no shame in asking for help. As Christians, sometimes I think we hesitate to do so because we feel like asking for help is somehow equated with a lack of faith. But it is not.

Let’s stop that lie in its tracks.

Personally, I think everyone would benefit from therapy. If you are in a place of fear, overwhelm. stress, confusion, hurt, or pain, feel empowered to take care of yourself. Take a day off, ask others to join you in prayer, make a therapy appointment, and turn to God to ask for peace.

My prayer today is this:

Lord, our hearts are restless with anxiety, worry and stress. Help us to fix our eyes on You and acknowledge your presence in the midst of our pain, fear, and overwhelm. Let us experience your peace that passes understanding in our hearts and in our world. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Praying this for you today as well.

Forever Grateful for Grace,

Sarah