Finding Peace

Hello Friends.

What is your idea of peace?

A few years ago, a contest invited artists to paint a picture of peace. Entries were diverse. After much deliberation two finalists vied for the prize. The first artist had interpreted peace by painting a quiet lake nestled high in the lonely mountains. The second artist painted a thundering waterfall with the branch of a birch tree bending over the exploding foam. On the fork of that limb, just out of reach of the waterfall’s spray, a robin sat in her nest totally undisturbed.

At times MOM and I long for the quiet mountain lake. "God, please give me serenity; rest, devoid of hurries, hassles, hurts, and hang-ups." The life we lead, and I suspect that you do too, can be at times quite different. It is a cacophony of important responsibilities, challenges, unexpected stuffs, constant demands (fill in your own things here). It is a far cry from a quiet lake on a misty morning. And that’s okay!

Jesus never promised endless ease. Oh, make no mistake about it, he does guarantee peace; but it is a peace found in the midst of life’s troubles, not away from them.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The picture of peace that Jesus promises is that of the robin just above the thundering falls. And we become that robin sitting quietly above the torrents of worry—deeply at peace—when we rest in Christ.

When the waters of worry, hurt, exhaustion, or uncertainty, rush below you and over you.  When the demands, deadlines, and difficulties send a spray of anxiety all around you, there is a safe place, a quiet nest above the turbulent waters. Go ahead, land on that branch, and settle into Jesus' nest.

Often it is in God's wonderful creation that MOM and I find this peace.  But this weekend I decided that MOM and I did not need to hike up a mountain to find it.  It can also be found right in our living room, nestled on the couch, soothing music playing in the back ground, a candle lit in the window, a fun book to read and just resting. 

You too can have peace when life is not peaceful! Trust Him. He will hold you up.  Oh, and belly rubs are very peaceful for both the giver and receiver.

Blessings,

Goose