How important is your mental health? Taking care of your “mind” should be
just as important as taking care of your body. With over one hundred billion
neurons, the brain is uniquely complex. This mere three-pound organ controls thought,
memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger, and every
process that regulates the body. In fact, because the brain is our chief operating
center, it’s critical that we maintain it.
I’m no brain expert or psychologist. Neither have I done extensive research on the subject. I am simply someone who has gained wisdom on “peace of mind” over the course of time via my own life experiences. With that said, however, I have heard Dr. Carolyn Leaf, a cognitive
neuroscientist, speak about brain health. She has numerous books on the
subject that you can reference at her website www.drleaf.com.
Peace Snatchers
Just turn on the television set or scroll through your cell phone, and you are more than likely to have your peace snatched away at any given time of the day. The constant beeping, ringing, notification bells, and streams of information swirling around in the atmosphere can all bring discomfort to the mind.
These tumultuous times of recession, job uncertainty, mass shootings, political mudslinging, wars, and the hustle and bustle of life also contribute to a mind of unease. A traumatic experience, ruminating over your past, daily anxiety, or even fear about your future can cause a whirlwind of negative thoughts. You are more than likely to give someone a “piece of your mind” when your mental health is not at its optimal. Without a doubt, stress wreaks havoc on the brain.
The Mind at Jeopardy
Have you ever experienced irrational fears? Do you often “replay” conversations in your mind or anticipate conversations that don’t usually occur? Do you lose things easily? Are you anxious about many things or prone to depressive thoughts? These are just a few ways that you know you need a brain check-up.
We’ve heard about numerous unwise decisions recently made by people who weren’t functioning at their optimal brain health. Shooting and murdering people who knock on your door, turn around in your driveway, or simply make a request as a neighbor are definite signs of a mind in distress.
What you see with your eyes, hear with your ears, and say with your mouth are all connected to your thoughts. Joyce Meyers, a popular author and minister, believes the mind is a battlefield, and she says we can confront negative and harmful thought patterns. Therefore, it is imperative that we put the right stuff inside our minds. You can find her resources at www.joycemeyer.org.
Peacekeepers
There are many approaches you can take in order to maintain “peace of mind.” Some seek counseling and therapy; others meditate. Writing and journaling are beneficial peacekeeping activities too. Many others engage in techniques that keep both body and mind healthy such as eating the right foods, exercising, learning a new skill or hobby, spa days, disconnecting from social media and television, getting additional rest, or simply taking a walk or riding a bike. Taking a vacation, listening to music, socializing, volunteering, and reading are also good peacekeepers. I enjoy participating in these activities as well, but the peace yielded is only temporary. There is a long-lasting peace, however, that comes from a much higher and supernatural source.
Peace is a Person
You might think it odd that anyone could bring you “peace of mind,” however, this is no ordinary person. Jesus is referred to as “The Prince of Peace” and has much to say about the subject. There are over 400 uses of the word “peace” referenced in the Bible. Moreover, Jesus tells us that he specifically has the keys to peace.
“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
Wow, what a wonderful gift! It’s amazing that we don’t have to look very far for this peace. God not only speaks to us through His word, but as believers in Christ, His word dwells within us.
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take courage, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
While access to this divine peace is available for all, everyone will not avail themselves to it. This peace is a conscious choice. And, it has been a life-saving decision for me.
Peace in the Storm
How do you maintain “peace of mind” during turbulent times? Jesus shows us that “faith” in Him is the key to experiencing real peace during the storms of life. As He lay on a pillow sleeping during rough weather on the Sea of Galilee, his disciples were in a frenzy.
“Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing? Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. Silence! He commanded. Be still! And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm.” (Mark 4:38-39)
If only the disciples had focused on the serenity of Jesus in the boat instead of the raging sea. The kind of peace Jesus brings to us is an inward peace that defies any outward circumstance. It calms our thoughts, and it brings tranquility to our mind and soul. It is a peace that belongs to all who trust in God. For me, studying the Bible, praying, and listening to praise and worship music are conduits which usher in God’s presence and His peace.
Nurture Peace
Whether you choose to enjoy peaceful moments or enter into a supernatural peace, it must be nurtured. The dictionary definition of nurture is to care for and encourage the growth or development of something. That means making time in our schedules to practice those peacekeeping activities. Another meaning of nurture is to cherish, hope, and believe. That involves strengthening our relationship with the divine Source of peace.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Sometimes nurturing peace means letting go of things and some people. We may have to make hard decisions for our mental health. In addition, our brain may need rewiring to focus on things that are more beneficial to us.
“Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
There is so much more to glean from brain health and gaining “peace of mind.” As you engage in your own journey towards peace, my hope is that you’ll find the ultimate Source.
You can check out April Willrich on social media to find out what she’s doing and follow her blog, A Disciple’s Journey.
Beautifully written and well executed!!