Freedom
Earlier this month, we celebrated our country’s Independence Day, where we remember our declaration of independence from King George III and his various enforcers. And within a few short years, our Founding Fathers enshrined freedoms which we still hold dear, in our Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Basic Rights
We have come to expect without question these core freedoms of speech, assembly, press, and religion. Of the right to bear arms. To private property and to be free of unreasonable search and seizure. Of legal concepts such as double jeopardy, just compensation, self-incrimination, due process, speedy trials and an impartial jury. And not being subject to cruel and unusual punishment. And finally, limits on the federal government’s powers. These rights have been a model for many countries around the world and, to varying degrees, remain a part of our national identity.
Freedoms
These rights give us certain freedoms. And those freedoms, combined with America’s culture of meritocracy and Manifest Destiny (a fading idea dating to the early 19th century), have created a unique culture based not on people groups, but on an idea and a set of ideals.
And Yet
Even with these wonderful freedoms we can enjoy, there are many who struggle. And not just financially. Even if we are free of addiction or depression or abuse (and many are not), just the newsfeed can be overwhelming. When we combine the massive changes taking place at the economic, cultural, and societal levels with the ubiquitousness of the newsfeed, our daily experience can almost feel overwhelming. And we aren’t free of anxiety, fear, or worry.
Where?
How do we experience a life of peace, freedom, and joy, when the newsfeed would suggest that the wheels are coming off the bus? Where do we turn? Any of us can find resources to help our minds relax. Or wine or chocolates or…to give us a bit of relief. My go-to? Scripture. I deem Scripture to be the source document for life. Whether you embrace that thought or not, there is plenty of advice within its pages regarding physical and mental health. I’ll share a few which I have found valuable.
“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast, because his heart trusts in you”. Isaiah 26:3
“In me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble but take heart. I have overcome the world”. John 16:33
“The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace”. Romans 8:6
“A heart at peace gives life to the body”. Proverbs 14:30
“I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken”. Psalms 16: 7-8
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord”. Psalms 27: 13-14
“So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. Isaiah 41:10
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”. John 14:27
And that’s just a few.
What have I learned? Knowing these, dwelling on them and internalizing them, allows them to come to mind when life feels like “too much”, or at night when my mind is resting. If you are looking for a solution, give it a shot.
And until we see you again, wishing you only the best.