“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NKJV)
I came across this portrait several years ago … and it has found a treasured place in my heart!
The artist’s name is Jack Dawson. The name of the artwork displayed in this blog is entitled, Peace In The Midst Of The Storm. The frame on the right is an enlarged portion of the painting enabling one to see the image of a white dove, nesting peacefully, while the storm and the waterfall are raging all around.
The imagery is clear, isn’t it? And I would suggest that most if not all of us would like to have that kind of quiet peace as the storms of this life thunder and rage around us!
The “peace” that Jesus speaks of … the “peace that passes all understanding” that Paul by inspiration speaks of … is not the peace our world, our culture speaks of.
The Lord’s peace … well, it is not just the absence of some storm … but He speaks of a peace that finds rest in the very middle of any storm … regardless of what takes place around us!
Isn’t it a fact that each of us sure could use that kind of peace … even at this very moment! I don’t know what kind of storms you’re dealing with or may deal with in the future. Only the Lord really and truly knows!
The assurance to be communicated in this writing is this: Each one of us can have this peace right now provided we are resting and nesting in the only One where it can be found! We must know, obey, and rest in His word.
Storms are in the forecast for us … they are inevitable. Some of our own making while others happen as the result of the actions of others or are just a part of the circle of life.
And when these storms roll in … they generate such uncomfortable, unsettling disturbances and events that we do not have the ability or wherewithal to overcome on our own. But God does!
Read the beautiful and moving inspired words spoken by God’s prophet, Isaiah …
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed (fixed) on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)
He is the same God who delivered Job, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Elijah, and Joshua … to name a few among so many.
He is the very same God who delivered the apostles and the early Christians. He has delivered our relatives, friends, and other brethren.
He may have already delivered you more than once or twice!
The good news is He can and will do it again when you find yourself resting and nesting in Him!
If you already know Him, love Him, and are striving to serve Him “with all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind” (Matthew 22:37) … keep on keeping on!
If you don’t know Him as your Savior and Friend … if you haven’t accepted His gracious and loving invitation to “come unto Him” … what are you waiting for?
The Bible speaks very frankly about the urgency needed to obey the Lord while there is time!
Yes … we can rest assured that our Lord will shelter us in the storms of this life! Comfort is to be found when I truly believe that the Lord is always there with me … in the midst of any storm, I am called on to face! Thank you, Lord, for all that You do … for all that You are … and for all that You promise to do! Amen!
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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