PEACE THAT SURPASSES UNDERSTANDING

PEACE THAT SURPASSES UNDERSTANDING

 Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that was satisfactory, 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 day of decision arrived. The judges unveiled one peaceful scene after another, as the viewing audience clapped and cheered.

 The tensions in the crowd grew when 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!

 Then the second painting was revealed as the crowd gasped in surprise. Could what they were seeing possibly represent peace?  A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice.  It was so striking that the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating water spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of these 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 tempting exposure to its full power.

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

 It would seem that peace is not the same thing as what we perceive as calmness or serenity – where all is apparently well and nothing seems threatening or disturbing.  Remember: GENUINE PEACE consists not in the absence of danger, but in the presence of God.  Peace that Jesus gives does not always avoid trouble, but it is secure in the confidence that He is there…always.  Jesus Christ yet declares to His disciples: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

 My friend, be at peace because the One who declared to the wind and waves, “Peace, be still” is here. (Luke 4:35-41)  HE grants peace “that surpasses all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7 – John 14:27)

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!