1. Finding Inner Peace in the Different Seasons of Life
Presented by
Mrs. Rosia Carter, Sixth Episcopal District
For the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Summit
New Orleans, Louisiana
September 27, 2012

2. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and
heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the
world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27 (NLT)

3. INTRODUCTION
Most people would agree that life is a mixture of good
and bad. There are a lot of good things in life. But like a
Feast of Good and Plenty, the goodness is soon over.
Even the best of good things can afterward leave us
feeling empty and even regretful. We all know that God is
good. But when was the last time we embraced Him as
the ultimate Good or the ultimate Peace in our life?

4. INTRODUCTION
Too often we let lesser “goods” eclipse our
acceptance of the everlasting goodness/peace
of God in our lives.

5. INTRODUCTION
Only God can give you Peace. In a world filled with
despair and trouble, we can still take courage. The
Holy Spirit lives within us as promised, providing us
with His peace and comfort.

6. INTRODUCTION
Note what the Psalmist says. He explains that God
really is good. He is: our preserver (v.1); our
goodness-giver (v.2); our blessings provider &
blessings protector ( v.5); our counsel and instruction
(v.7); our joy supplier, our safety and rest provider
(v.9); the one who will not let us continue in our hell
(v.10); and the one who makes known our path of
life and fills us with joy in His presence (v.11).

7. Psalm 16 (NLT)
1. Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you
for refuge.
2. I said to the Lord, You are my Master! All the
good things I have are from you.
5. Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of
blessing. You guard all
that is mine.
7. I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at
night my heart instructs me.

8. 8. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be
shaken, for He is right beside me.
9. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my
mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety.
10. For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your godly one to rot in the grave (KJV –
Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell).
11. You will show me the way of life, granting me
the joy of your presence and the pleasures of
living forever.

9. Our individual journey causes us to travel highways that
lead us to and through a myriad of seasons in our
personal (life) journey. As we travel, we turn right. We
turn left. We yield. We slow down. We drive the speed
limit. We stop. We’re even caught in traffic jams caused
by others along the way.

10. We travel through highways and we pull up to streets
with names that reflect our various Seasons of Life.
Streets named:

12. So many seasons in our life journey personally
and as ministers’ spouses. Because we are
ministers’ spouses, our journey as promised
when we were born – “of a few days and
many troubles” seems to be compounded.
The journey will sometimes lead us to streets
named:

14. DEFINITIONS
SEASON
A time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature, a
period associated with some phase or activity. (Webster)
PEACE
A state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from oppressive
thoughts or emotions. (Webster)
PEACE
“It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise,
trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those
things and still be calm in your heart and mind.” (Unknown)

15. DEFINITIONS
INNER PEACE
The result of a quiet mind. An inner quietness that
allows you to see yourself and the world around
you as it is, without any aggression, desires,
frustration or stress. You can feel content simply
just to be. You do not need to be rich, successful,
pretty, or popular to feel this inner calm all you
need is to be able to take control of your mind
and stop the constant thoughts that repeat
themselves over and over again.
(www.innerpeace.com)

16. DEFINITIONS
PEACEFUL PEOPLE
Inner peace is not a fleeting emotion, but a state of mind.
However, people who find this peace do not simply
live every moment with a smile on their face. They still
get ill and feel sorrow as they are still human! The
only difference is that there is a vast comforting space
around such difficult times and an inner knowing that
such times will pass. There is also a very light uplifting
and joyful feeling towards others and yourself which
makes you feel complete. People who achieve this
inner quietness generally show a kindness towards all
living things and a deep appreciation for the natural
world around them. (www.innerpeace.com)

17. WHAT CAN WE DO?

18. Imagine for a moment a life void of change or
circumstances, periods or seasons of diversity. A world
without emotion. Without emotion, we couldn’t
experience the delicate joy of holding a newborn baby in
our arms.

19. Apart from emotions we wouldn’t be able to respond
to our journey, to the seasons we encounter. God has
given us emotions to help us identify our seasons.

20. God invites us to be honest with Him about what we’re
thinking, feeling and experiencing in our lives. He gives
us the Psalms to let us know that we can fully disclose
ourselves to God the answer to our need for peace.

21. What Are God’s Promises Concerning
Our Concern?
*Write down God’s Promise concerning your
dilemma/concern.
*Pray aloud His Promises.
*Consciously practice your reliance on His
Promise until it becomes your 1st response in
all situations.

22. Invest in Good Memories
Make Friends With Your Regrets
Fall In Love with Your Rainy Days
Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

23. SOLUTIONS
Pray offer our emotion or season to God for His help,
direction and resolution. Talk to Him without
hiding our thoughts, feelings and seasons. He
wants to help. Read Psalm 6.
What Does the Word Say About our Dilemmas?
*In everything give thanks
*Man (woman) should always pray
and not faint
*Believe when we pray that God
hears and answers our prayer

24. SOLUTIONS
Take Care of Your Physical Body
*Exercise
*Adequate Rest
*Healthy Diet
*Consult a Doctor when necessary
*Laugh

25. REFERENCES
Feinberg, Margaret (2012) Making Peace With
Your Emotions, Women of Faith Study Guide,
Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Kalas, J. Ellsworth (2011) I Bought A House On
Gratitude Street, Abingdon Press
The Holy Bible, New Living Translation.