Most of us have joked about the ostrich which allegedly sticks its head in the sand to hide from danger.

Goggling reveals the truth: “As flightless birds, ostriches are unable to build nests in trees, so they lay their eggs in holes dug in the ground. To make sure that the eggs are evenly heated, they occasionally stick their heads into the nest to rotate the eggs, which makes it look like they’re trying to hide – hence the myth.”

Nature often teaches. Yet, the legend of the ostrich to, “Bury one’s head in the sand when danger is near” is of no help. However, the true lesson of the ostrich is portrayed well: “Find what meets your needs and use it to your best advantage.”

Ostriches don’t have our highly developed brains, but their instincts amaze us. We humans, on the other hand have vast amounts of knowledge, yet we find it hard to live in peace. A factor that best helps us gain peace is the truth that we are not alone here on terra firma. God is with us and we have a grand and mighty connection with Him through prayer. It is with prayer that we have a peace that may seem incomprehensible while so many dangers lie far and wide. This peace is experienced and enjoyed for people who know how to “plug in.” For Christians, this comes through dedicating our lives to the amazing truths found in Scripture. Proverbs 3: 5-6, reveals our steadfast hinge, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This is a “peace-maker.” And, it works.

Many scripture passages bring peace to the soul through helping us let go our worries, our fears. Like, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:6-7).

It is hardly possible to have peace of heart if, like the proverbial ostrich, we bury our hearts in the sands of ignorance, fear and confusion. Doing so serves to create anxiety and inertia. Yet, we do hear the news or read it in magazines. I heard good advice of a psychologist speaking at a medical center in Scottsdale years ago. He said, “Cut your news watching by 80% for good mental health.” This advice applies even more so today.

Given current technology, we know what is happening globally whenever we check the channels. God has superbly engineered our brains and wisdom helps keep us safe. We hold the power to dismiss the derisive chaffing that takes place as news newscasters sensationalize and “shout,” “there’s more danger than goodness on earth.”

Still, even when cutting our news viewing to “20%,” this is plenty! And, we can best keep it from robbing us of peace, when we simply tell God our concerns, releasing our fears to Him. Trust, He hears our prayers and will take care of what troubles us, in His own way and own timing. When we pray, we face our fears head on, rather than trying to forget about them by bottling them up in our psyches. For sure, that is a recipe for both anxiety and depression—and, more and more people use alcohol or drugs hoping to “heal” themselves.

Most everyone wants peace in the world. And, Gandhi put it well, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” This question has been posed more than once, “What does God want of us?” There is no question that God wants us to have peace. After His resurrection, Jesus found His disciplines in a state far from peace. The crucifixion blew their minds! They were afraid and hiding. Jesus said, “Peace be with you, as the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Then he breathed on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

God wants us to receive His Holy Spirit. Why? Because it brings us a peace that empowers us. Having the Holy Spirit empowers us to forgive those who have hurt us in life . . . and to forgive some hard things we have to endure. Peace brings courage—a courage that empowers us to follow our hearts.

If the desires of our hearts are wholesome, it is the Spirit of God within that helps us achieve them. At times this may find us speaking up about issues, pitting our wits against the “wind” of what can cause havoc in our lives, in our community, or in the world at large.

Just recently, many participated in peaceful protests against current wrongs that break hearts and ruins lives—even takes lives. Unfortunately, some protests were not-so-peaceful. God will never put it in our hearts to hurt innocent people or put them, or their property, in harm’s way.

Interestingly enough, although Jesus promised personal peace that comes as we follow His teachings, He did not promise world peace. A larger plan was laid in place for that, which is not the topic for this column. Meanwhile, we live in a warring world. An imperfect world. Yet, it is where we learn to be strong and we learn to love in the midst of what comes our way. At times, even precipitous chasms must be hurdled. We can become “chasm leapers,” hurdlers of the grandest kind. It is the Holy Spirit within that makes this so. Within the journey of it all, our faith is strengthened and peace results.

To have personal peace in the midst of it all is to read the Bible and simply do what it says. Martin Luther was asked once why we need to read Scripture every day. He said, “Because we forget.” This is an amazing three-word answer. And, it is true. The world around us captivates our attention so fully, hour-by-hour, that it fizzles the truths of Holy Writ—unless we learn to prioritize the Scriptures in the midst of what we are living. This takes prayer. And, there is nothing more peaceful than a life ordered by prayer.