Peace In The Storm

by HJS

As we rapidly approach the end of the year and think of what may lie in the horizon, many people have hearts filled with unrest and turmoil. The director of a counseling center recently wrote, "The dark side of human experience, and a global culture of hatred and chaos, punctuated recently by large-scale acts of atrocity... have left many adults and children with post-traumatic stress symptoms. It is not unusual to experience disrupted sleep patterns, irritability, difficulty sustaining attention, hyper-vigilance, and a general sense vulnerability."

So how do you face life's uncertainties? Here's a more important question: Are you God's child? If you are, and your heart is overwrought with turmoil, you need the peace and tranquility that comes from knowing God is still in control, that He loves you and has not forsaken you.

With His crucifixion only hours away, Jesus met with the disciples and calmly instructed, "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).

A contest was held to find an artist who could best represent peace in the midst of a storm. The winning painting depicted a raging storm with the boughs of trees bending in the wind and rain. But on a branch of a tree was a bird's nest and a mother bird with her feathers of protection spread over three tiny birds, oblivious to the storm because of their mother's wings. As God's child you can face the storm, knowing that you are sheltered by the Almighty no matter how strong the wind blows.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.   Psalm 91:4