Peaceful Surroundings

 

We enjoy going to the local botanical gardens and walking among the flower beds and other plantings. Surrounded by beauty, I feel relaxed and at peace. I feel the same way when I view a beautiful sunset. In contrast, I remember times when I was out walking in a cold rain without an umbrella, slogging through the mud and feeling totally miserable.  Our surroundings affect our mood.

 

The same is true in a spiritual sense.  We are more likely to experience God’s peace if we surround ourselves with godly pursuits. This is not to say that we should become hermits and go off to live in some remote place. We are called to live in this world. We should, though, stop to ask ourselves whether the things we surround ourselves with -  our jobs, our social life, our relationships, our finances, our entertainment, and so on – draw us towards or away from the peace God wants for us.

 

 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things” (Phil 4:8).