October 19, 2005

 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

--Romans 5:1

 

In Berit Kjos’ book, A Wardrobe from the King, she tells the story of a man who went looking for the perfect picture of peace. He never found one that could quite satisfy what he was looking for, so he announced a contest to produce this picture of peace.

 

Artists and paintings from everywhere arrived. And finally, on the day of revelation, the judges’ uncovered one picture after another that portrayed peaceful scenes. The viewers applauded, but tensions grew because the man had not yet chosen and only two pictures remained covered.

 

A judge pulled the cover from one revealing a mirror-smooth lake that reflected birch trees under the soft glow of the evening sky. And along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed peacefully and undisturbed. A hush fell over the crowd, so surely this was the winner.

 

But the man who was searching uncovered the second painting himself. In the scene, a rushing waterfall barreled down a rocky precipice spraying cold and uninviting water on everything in its path. Storm clouds hovered in the sky threatening to explode with lightning, thunder, wind, and rain. But in the midst of the despairing bitter chill, a branch from a tree that was clinging to the rocks at the edge of the falls reached out in front of the waters.

 

In the elbow of the branch, a little bird—content and undisturbed by her surroundings—rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and he wings ready to shelter her babies, the mama bird manifested peace in the midst of earthly turmoil. Could this be peace?

 

Yes! When life’s troubles seem unbearable and you’re ready to give up or give in, pray for God’s peace in your life. Ask Him to take you under the shelter of His wings and protect you from the storms of life. Seek to find protection in the arms of the Lord through prayer and the meditation of His Word when trouble begins to brew.

 

WHEN THE STORMS OF LIFE COME RUSHING IN, YOU KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR SAFETY AND SHELTER—INTO THE ARMS OF GOD.