Peace in the Storm

Well, friend, come set yourself down over here for a lil’ ol’ spell on this here ol’ front porch and let your soul catch its breath. Life can buck harder than an ol’ onery mule at bath time and fuss louder than a grouchy ol’ squirrel that found its tail in a berry briar, but the Lord still plum knows how to settle a heart. Real peace ain’t found when the wind quits blowin’. It’s found when Jesus steadies us right in the middle of the racket.

There’s an old story about a king offerin’ a prize for the painting that best pictured peace. Folks brought scenes of still lakes, quiet meadows, and mountains sittin’ about as calm as an ol’ hound dog in the shade. But the winnin’ painting showed a roarin’ waterfall, storm clouds piled high, and trees bent by the wind. Tucked into a crack in the rock sat a lil’ tiny bird on its nest, calm as could be. That there’s the picture of Isaiah 26:3 as it reminds us, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Peace ain’t the absence of trouble. Peace is a mind held real steady by trust in God.

Jesus said in John 14:27, “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.” This ol’ world’s peace is mighty flimsy. It can plum disappear when the doctor calls, the money runs thin, or midnight brings bad news. But the peace of Christ sho’-nuff’ stands firmer than an old oak tree through a thunderstorm.

That is why Colossians 3:15 tells us, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Friend, what rules your mind will also be shapin’ your heart. If you feed fear, it’ll grow real fast like weeds in a bean patch. But if you fix your thoughts on God’s character, His promises, and His presence, peace will sho’-nuff’ settle in like mornin’ light across the pasture. So, build your nest in the Rock and let the storm do its fussin’.

Father, when our thoughts start running wild and our hearts grow weary, anchor us in Your peace. Help us trust You more than we trust our fears. Fix our minds on Your truth, guard our hearts with Your presence, and teach us to rest in You no matter how hard the wind blows. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, friend, you go on into your day like a lil’ ol’ chickadee that went and found shelter way up in the pine tree and like a wagon that finally hit smooth road. Keep your mind focused on Jesus and don’t be lettin’ every barking hound dog of worry be chasin’ you off into the ditch. The storm may git to hollerin’ real loud, but it don’t get the last word. The Lord still gives peace that sho’-nuff’ holds, peace that plum hums, and peace that downright carries you clear on home.

With joy,

Gwen