Finding Peace in the Storm

by Ross A. Aalgaard, MSW, LGSW

612.332.7743 ext. 285
raalgaard@wpc-mpls.org

I keep hearing from the media that people in our country are angry. As a mental health professional, I ask, "What is behind the anger?" Without doing a serious assessment, my initial answer is fear (people are afraid, downright scared), lack of control (people don't feel like they have the place of significance they once had or the power they once possessed), and sadness (people feel like they have lost something they value). Anger seems to be the behavior expressed due to people's fear, lack of control, and sadness. Rather than rising above it, it is more common for people to keep their eyes focused on the storm.

I am reminded of the story of Jesus walking on the water found in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus had sent the disciples on ahead in their boat while he stayed back for a period of solitude. When it was time to join his disciples in the boat, Jesus walked on the water to them. The disciples were afraid they were seeing a ghost. Jesus responded, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter wanted to test if what he saw was really Jesus. So, he asked Jesus, "Command me to come to you on the water." Jesus said, "Come." Peter did fine as he started toward Jesus, But when [Peter] noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. (Matthew 14:30-32, NRSV)

I think it is common for us as humans to notice the storms around us rather than the things that are most important. We get focused on our immediate circumstances rather than keeping our eyes on our destination, or the one who can help us. We let our situation blind us to that which is bigger or more important.

When I allow the storms around me to keep me from seeing the bigger picture, something that helps me and gives me peace during those times is one of the most beloved prayers known, "The Serenity Prayer." Hopefully, this source of strength for me can bring you peace when you face the storms of life.

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

Reinhold Niebuhr