Inner Peace - February 12

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:97-120; PM Psalm 81, 82; Isa. 59:15b-21; 2 Tim. 1:15-2:13; Mark 10:1-16

A question that many Christian mystics and theologians have wrestled with is whether being spiritually centered—grounded, calm, and at peace—enables us to fully live out our calling as faithful witnesses. To follow Jesus, to be people who respond to the world’s suffering with His grace, love, and hope, do we first need to cultivate inner stillness? I would argue not necessarily—but it certainly helps.

As I shared last week, I have been reflecting on the writings of Howard Thurman, particularly his Meditations of the Heart (1952). He writes, “How to get beyond one’s anxiety and trouble to the center of one’s own spirit is one of the most formidable hurdles to serenity and inner peace.” This is a powerful reminder that our inner life—the state of our hearts and souls—deeply shapes how we engage with the world and with God’s calling. When fear, anxiety, or distraction cloud our spirits, responding faithfully becomes more difficult. But when we cultivate a deep, abiding peace, we create space to hear God’s voice and move with clarity and conviction.

Today’s reading from the Prophet Isaiah presents a striking image of God putting on righteousness “like a breastplate” and a “helmet of salvation.” It’s a vision of divine strength and justice, one that likely influenced the writer of Ephesians, who offers a similar metaphor in chapter six:

"Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

This imagery reminds us that faith is not passive; it is a way of moving through the world with intention, strength, and purpose. The “armor” of God is not about aggression but about resilience—the courage to stand firm in truth, the readiness to proclaim peace, the faith to withstand adversity.

One of my favorite prayers, the Great Litany (written in 1544 and the oldest in our English tradition), speaks to this need for divine protection and guidance. A few of its petitions stand out:

"From all blindness of heart; from pride, vain glory, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice; and from all want of charity, Good Lord, deliver us.

"From all inordinate and sinful affections; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil, Good Lord, deliver us.

"From all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word and commandment, Good Lord, deliver us.

"From all oppression, conspiracy, and rebellion; from violence, battle, and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared, Good Lord, deliver us.

"In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment, Good Lord, deliver us."

This prayer acknowledges a truth we often forget—our greatest battles are not always external. They happen within us: in the struggle against pride, fear, division, and despair. The armor of God is not just for defense against outward threats but for the quiet, internal work of cultivating faith, integrity, and love.

It is worth considering that faith is both armor and a balm. It equips us for the trials we face, giving us the strength to stand firm, and yet it is also a source of healing, offering peace amid turmoil. May our faith not only protect us but also transform us—so that we, in turn, may bring God’s peace to the world.

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection: How does your faith become armor to you? What do you need protection from?