Finding Peace in the Storm: Reflections on St. Alphonsus Liguori's Uniformity with God's Will

by Dan Burke

Sometimes discernment seems complicated, and we struggle to “be still” to listen to God’s voice. Following the death of his spiritual director, St. Alphonsus Liguori penned timeless advice in a letter to one of his spiritual daughters, and it became the famous work titled Uniformity with God’s Will. Now Dan Burke breaks open St. Alphonsus’s eighteenth-century classic for you. He intersperses relevant explanations and insights within the text of this great saint and includes reflection questions for each chapter.

St. Alphonsus explains, “We should most confidently abandon ourselves to all the dispositions of divine providence, since they are for our own good.” In page after page, Burke shows you how the “wind and waves” can help you ascend to union with God. You will

The “paralyzing cocktail” we drink when we reject God’s willWhen good works are displeasing to God (Can you guess?)Three prayers that will assist you in directing all things to God’s willTwo ways we can know God’s love and hear His voiceTwo life-altering spiritual disciplines according to St. Teresa of ÁvilaHow humiliation, adversity, and trials can bring freedom, healing, and salvation (You will be shocked!)Liguori intersperses fascinating real-life examples from the saints to assist you in remaining steadfast amid afflictions. He explains three temptations that confront us and how to resist them, along with four practices of uniformity to God’s will and a surefire way to unite your sufferings to Christ’s sufferings.

You will acquire tips on what to do during periods of aridity or desolation. Above all, you will discover how to enjoy peace of heart in all circumstances and foster loving conversation with God. By learning how to entrust yourself fully to God’s holy will, you will experience His divine embrace and the fulfillment of your deepest desires.

A “What Next?” section helps you take practical steps in doing God’s will. Burke also provides a summary of the Paradigm of Ascent, which provides often hidden but foundational insights and practices necessary to live out Liguori’s wisdom and to know the peace promised by God. In addition, he provides a simple action plan to implement these fruitful practices in your life.

Genres: Faith, Catholic, Religion

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2023

Reviews

[Daven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is filled with storms that may very easily bring us down. We may think that is not where I am supposed to be in life or this isn’t supposed to happen however, it is all part of God divine plan. This book helps one live in unity with God even when the storms come, and they will come.

There is so much wisdom in this book. It is good to read regardless of what the circumstances are in your life.

[Tauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent study in the deeper meaning and application of St Alphonsus Liguori’s work, Uniformity to God’s Will, in our lives as we pursue, seek to recognize, and align ourselves with God’s will.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

St. Alphonsus Liguori explores a lot of great points in his book. These includes reminders to live in the present, that God is never the source of evil, that the health of the soul is more important than that of the body, and the importance of persisting in daily prayer even through times of dryness. He instructs us not to fall victim to spiritual pride because growth doesn't come from our efforts but only through cooperation with God. Dan Burke has sprinkled in some commentary, mostly relating the saint's words to current times. A highlight of the book are the reflection questions at the end of each chapter. I think these questions will be beneficial to anyone who takes time to really ponder them.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great addition to my book flight of books related to the finding of peace (which included “searching for and maintaining peace” and “prudence”). The commentary by Burke was helpful, as well as some prayers he suggested, and the what next chapter made it even more useful.

[Jackie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a life changing book. For those of us who have faith, this reorders thoughts and perspective on prayer and its purpose.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The timing of this book coming into my life couldn't have been more perfect, as my family has endured a lot of hardship the past several months—from unemployment and family stress to health issues and the passing of a family member. Little things that have happened, too, seemed bigger than they probably were, because they happened in addition to all these major difficulties.

"Finding Peace in the Storm" resonated very deeply with me. It is a blend of St. Alphonsus' classic "Uniformity With God's Will" and practical reflections by Dan Burke. St. Alphonsus offers sound spiritual advice of St. Alphonsus, while Dan's commentary helps in applying his wisdom to everyday, ordinary life.

After reading it, I realized that I have a long way to go to truly live in God's will. But instead of feeling down and discouraged, I have a tremendous amount of hope. For this book is filled with encouragement to "rise at once," humble myself, and seek greater help from God, so I may continue to make progress in the spiritual life.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read other books on seeking the will of God such as Abandonment to Divine Providence and Searching for and Maintaining Peace and found them to be worthwhile reads but this little book is a gem. It is a quick, worthwhile read, yet so full of rich insights on how to practice abandonment to the will of God that you could spend days contemplating the spiritual riches it contains. And Dan helps you to do just that with questions to ponder at the end of each chapter. Dan’s additional commentary is quite helpful for the modern Christian as is his “what next?” chapter at the end. In this chapter you will find a summary of steps to aid you in living the Christian life that St. Alphonsus assumed one who is seeking to do the will of God would be living. Finally, Dan has provided additional reading and online resources for those seeking to know and follow God.

[Lisette Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

The timing of this book coming into my life couldn't have been more timely. Come off a difficult year I had a lot of questions for God
"Finding Peace in the Storm" helped me understand and it answered many of my God questions Mostly is helped me understand
"Uniformity With God's Will"
St. Alphonsus offers sound spiritual advice of St. Alphonsus, while Dan's commentary helps in applying his wisdom to everyday,

[Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

El texto original de S. Alfonso merece ser conocido y meditado en diversos momentos del camino de entrega a Dios. Los comentarios del autor animan a leer y releer los párrafos de S. Alfonso, resaltan algunos puntos en particular, dan ejemplos que ayudan a entenderlo, sin añadir nada sustancial.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

tool to grow spiritually

I really enjoyed the book . It really helped to reflect on ways to walk with God and to do His Will. I recommend this book for those who would like to grow spiritually.

[Natalia Vaca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been such a delight and such a relief to read.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loaded with valuable information for the spiritual journey.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful instructions for understanding the importance of accepting God’s will in every aspect of your life.

[Benjamin Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

With each one I read, it gets a bit easier to deal with.

[Maritza Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great new perspective on the “why” of everything I do. There was a part I especially loved in which I had to pause an reevaluate my actions and if I’m properly descending everything I do.