Peace of Soul: How To Trust God’s Word And Not Be In A Hurry (Lectio Divina)

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. What is anything in life compared to peace of soul?”
~St. Frances de Sales

Reflection:
“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15 NRSVCE), says the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, in what feels like a reassuring word that, if we place our trust in God, if we return to him, rest in him, and patiently await his movement in our lives, all will be well for he, not restless, aimless action, is our true strength. But this is immediately followed by Isaiah’s rebuke, “But you refused.” In the NIV translation, he actually says, “But you would have none of it.”

This is an all-too-common theme throughout the Bible: God tells his people to be still, to be calm, and not to fear. He tells them, and us, that, if only we trust him, if only we trust his word, his intentions, and his will, he will ensure our safety from our enemies and our victory over evil, and he will provide us with everything we need. But, as with the people of Israel, all too often, we cannot wait for God’s slow, steady hand to do his good works in our lives. We rush about hastily, making idols out of all manner of things, eating the fruit from forbidden trees, and losing sight of the Lord.

St. Frances de Sales reminds us that there is no reason to be in a hurry. That to have “peace of soul” is more valuable than anything we can acquire by fighting, fussing, and flailing about. “Be still,” says the Lord, “And know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)! Be quiet, be calm, and allow God’s love to do its work.

~Robert Van Valkenburgh

Question for Meditation:
Where in your life are you rushing ahead of God’s timing, and how might embracing stillness and trust deepen your peace?

Related Scripture:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NRSVCE)

For Further Reading:
For a related reflection on creating space for God’s peace amid busyness, check out Oratio Divina: Kingdom Of Peace