May 14, 2004

[Rev. Doc]

Peace

Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

If it were not for the stormy times of life, we would not know true peace. However, truth be told, most of us would rather not face them. But, face them we must. Great is the joy of the follower of Christ who realizes that even though he or she must endure the raging seas, they do not have to face them alone.

Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied, he announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally the great day of revelation arrived. The judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, while the viewers clapped and cheered.

The tensions grew. Only two pictures remained veiled.

As a judge pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd.

A mirror-smooth lake reflected lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner.

The man with the vision uncovered the second painting himself, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace?

A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls. One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power.

A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil.

Even if chaos rages around us, He covers us with His wings of mercy and grace.

Prayer: Ask Jesus to help you keep your eyes off the waves of the storm, being focused on Him, listening for His voice to proclaim, "Peace, be still!"

"Safety consists not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God." ~anonymous

[glitch1501]

i wish i could see that painting

[true_noir_chloe]

It is funny how God always knows how to speak to us. I was just thinking of this last night and this morning, about how people want to hear God's powerful thunder and lightening and expect a bold proclamation, when it's after the storm has passed and we sit still that we actually hear his voice.

"Peace, be still." I loved reading this and knowing that in the calm quiet if we listen we will always hear Him.

Thanks again, Rev.Doc. I know you're on your way with your family on vacation, and I'll be praying for you all a safe trip.

[Rachel]

thanks rev doc. i needed this