Peace

Another week, another senseless act of terror.
Will true peace ever come to this world so full of hate?
If you believe the Bible, the answer is no.
As Christians, we find our peace in Jesus, not in the world, itself.
Ah yes, but peace can be found if you know where to look.

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. 
See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.
Matthew 24:6
~
Peace.

I need it like oxygen.
I thirst for it as if it were water.
I crave it like food when I am hungry.
I long for it in my day to day life.
~
I made a decision a while back to live in it.
That doesn't mean that I live my life burden-free...is that even possible?
If you know anything about me, you know that's not the case.
Peace is a choice we make and we need to seek it, wherever we can find it.
~
There are many things that speak peace to me.
Most recently, there was a precious dove lying motionless in the grass...

...and when I knelt down to investigate, off it flew towards the safety of the trees.
That sweet bird was safe and sound, and peace swept over me.



Then there was such peace after a storm that left the skies gloriously rich in texture.



There's a sense of tranquility coming from that quiet drive in the country on a sunny morning...



...and those cows haven't a care in the world.
Peace.



Just soaking in the beauty that God has created speaks peace to my soul...

...and those tiny beads of water that hang on for dear life after a soothing summer rain...

...remind me of how God hangs on to me through times of trials, 
bringing such beautiful, unspeakable peace.

Just the other evening I walked into the kitchen and something immediately caught my eye.

The last golden rays of the setting sun peered through the Mason jars in the window,

creating the most calming glow, leaving me with such a peaceful feeling.

~

So as I'm typing this post, an old hymn is echoing in my brain.

I haven't heard it sung for a long time.

WONDERFUL PEACE

Warren D. Cornell, William G. Cooper - 1889

(click to listen)

I don't know how you can listen to that song and not sense God's peace and presence.
~
And I'll close with this poem I found.
  I think it speaks right to the events that we are witnessing in the world today.

GOD'S PEACE
~M.S. Lowndes

God's tender love and peace

Is what we all long for
In a world so hopelessly chaotic,
So unstable and unsure

It brings stability to our minds
And calmness to our souls,
For that is what we desperately need
As this world can be so cold

We need to have God's peace
When turmoil's in our lives,
For God's peace doesn't depend
On the daily pressures of life

When we have those stressful days,
God's peace can often soothe
And bring us such a quiet hope
That chases away the blues

So when you feel the pressure on,
Remember, Jesus Christ,
Receive from Him the peace He gives
As His daily dose for life!
~
And now, my favorite scripture about peace:

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

I pray you enjoy a peaceful week, my friends!


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