Rest Assured
Devotion for Wednesday, November 11, 2009 |
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Rest Assured: Devotions for Souls in a Restless World by Nancy McGuirk We live in an on-the-go society that values
stimulation over stillness. But God ordained the
Sabbath as a day of rest, our "prescription" for
peace of mind. In these 90 insightful and
soul-soothing devotions, McGuirk helps women
reclaim and practice the serenity the world seeks
to steal. Features personal challenges, study
questions, and helpful indexes. B&H Publishing
Group, copyright 1973. |
THE PEACE OF GOD
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I
do not
give to you as the world gives. Do not
let your
hearts be troubled and do not be
afraid.
- JOHN 14:27
Two artists were asked to paint a visual representation of
peace. After days of toil, they revealed their interpretations. The first artist had painted a beautiful scene of total serenity - majestic mountains, lush grass, the glow of the late afternoon sun reflected on a calm lake in the background. Predictably, the audience was mesmerized by the tranquil setting he had created.
The second artist uncovered his painting and the audience gasped. His painting seemed to be the exact opposite of peace. It was a dark, dangerous scene-explosions, violent winds, people running for safety in a panic. But then a murmur of approval rose from the crowd as they got a better look. In the midst of the horrific scene was a scarred tree with a white dove sitting on a bare limb. In the midst of chaos all around, the bird was asleep, its head tucked under its wing. The first painter had depicted the peace of the world, while the second painter had depicted the peace of God in the midst of the world.
Yes, it's sometimes possible to catch a glimpse of the world at peace-but not very often. The world's peace depends totally on circumstances usually beyond our control. But the peace of God depends only on God's faithfulness and our willingness to receive what He has provided: the security of His promise that the past, present, and future are all in His hands. Through Christ we have the foundation of all peace: peace with God through Christ's reconciling death on the cross (see Rom. 5:1).
But even if we have peace with God, that doesn't mean we'll always have peace with others. Paul said, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Rom. 12:18). We do what we can to live at peace with others and leave the results to God with whom we know we are at peace. Everyone wants peace on earth and good will toward men, but sometimes it doesn't happen. Even when there is no peace outside, there can always be peace inside because you have peace with God.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for providing a way to be at peace with You through
Jesus Christ. Amen.
For the rest of your life…
practice the peace of God that passes all understanding
regardless of the circumstances you are in.
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