Posted on: Saturday, June 25, 2005

EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH

By Monica Quock Chan

"I feel so far from God and somehow can't reconnect," a friend wrote me in a recent letter. "How do I get ... peace?"

In a busy world replete with continuous and multiple demands on our time, this is an oft-asked question.

Caught up in the whirlwind of work, family, socializing and other activities, we frequently push aside for a later time the issues we need to address in order to find true contentment. With nearly ubiquitous access to the Internet, movies, music and TV, we are entertained 24/7.

How much of the time do we really feel at peace?

Perhaps the answer is found in setting aside time periodically for self-reflection.

Saints of old have long proclaimed the value of solitude. As Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God."

Carving out this time is not easy. In a society that emphasizes "doing" over "being," we are not versed in the art of staying still.

From personal experience, I know it takes discipline. Whenever I try to carve out some quiet time, inevitably the phone will ring, e-mail will beckon and some task will cry out, begging to be finished.

However, when I am able to set aside those distractions and simply focus on God, I find myself drawing closer to that elusive peace. Praying, listening and merely being still bring a new clarity to questions and issues in my life.

I am reminded of the steadfast character of God, and that he is the one in control, lessening my burdens.

When seen in the light of eternity, matters that seemed pressing become less so. That's when true priorities resurface.

Spending time alone with God may not be an instant panacea, but it is a helpful start along the road of finding peace.

To my friend and all those who are hoping to reconnect: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you." (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Monica Quock Chan is a freelance writer and former Christian educator. She currently attends the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.