"For though we feel in ourselves, [frail] wretches, debates and strifes, yet are we all-mannerful enclosed in the mildness of God and in His meekness, in His benignity and in His graciousness. For I saw full surely that all our endless friendship, our place, our life and our being, is in God."
Julian of Norwich (Ch. 49)
So often we can be in turmoil or have negative thoughts or emotions within us, tensions and strife within ourselves or with other people. But still, even in the midst of those tumultuous inner storms, we are enclosed in God's love and goodness and peace. We are living in a palace of peace, God's own heart, even when we don't feel that peace completely within us. God wraps us up in His love, kindness and gentleness even when we don't have love, kindness or gentleness. He holds us closely in peace and quietness and acceptance even when we are not accepting others or ourselves. We may think we are wretched, may sometimes feel and speak and act wretchedly, but God still holds us close in love, still holds us close in peace, still calls us His beloved friends. He is our real life, not the crazy thoughts and feelings inside our brains. Our true self, our true place, is in Him in infinite peace and love, not in any stormy, antagonistic or troubled thoughts that come along. We're always wrapped in His friendship and always cherished in His heart, and no feeling, thought, word or act from us could ever change that. So whether we always feel or know it or not, we are always held safely in the shelter of His love.
"You are my hiding place. You will keep me out of trouble and envelop me with songs that remind me I am free."
Psalm 32:7 (VOICE)
A Prayer: You are my shelter from angry thoughts and troubled feelings. I am Your beloved one, found in Your peace and love.