What is your idea of peace?
Years ago, a contest invited artists to paint a picture of peace. Entries were diverse. After much deliberation two finalists vied for the prize. The first artist had interpreted peace by painting a quiet lake nestled high in the lonely mountains. The second artist painted a thundering waterfall with the branch of a birch tree bending over the exploding foam. On the fork of that limb, just out of reach of the waterfall’s spray, a robin sat in her nest totally undisturbed. [1]
At times I long for the quiet lake. "God, please give me serenity; a life devoid of hurries, hassles and hang-ups." The life I lead, and I suspect that you do too, is quite different. It is a cacophony of important responsibilities: children, bills, challenges, hurting people, multiple appointments, daily deadlines, and constant demands. It is a far cry from a quiet lake on a misty morning. And that’s okay!
Jesus never promised endless ease. Oh, make no mistake about it, he does guarantee peace; but it is a peace found in the midst of life’s troubles, not away from them.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
The picture of peace that Jesus promises is that of the robin just above the thundering falls. And we become that robin sitting quietly above the torrents of worry—deeply at peace—when we rest in Christ.
Are the waters of worry rushing below you? Are demands, deadlines, and difficulties sending a spray of anxiety all around you? There is a safe place, a quiet nest above the turbulent waters. Go ahead, land on that branch, and settle into Jesus' nest.
You can have peace when life is not peaceful! Trust Him. He will hold you up.
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[1] L.B. Cowman, Streams In The Desert. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing. 2006. Page 182.