Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7
An art contest was held to find the perfect picture of peace. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally the great day of revelation arrived, and the field had been narrowed down to two paintings.
As a judge pulled the cover from first 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.
When the second painting was uncovered, the crowd gasped in surprise. A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind, and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls.
But in that tree, a little bird had built a nest. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil.
Perhaps today, you’ve been guilty of searching for the kind of peace in the first picture. But the problem is that it just doesn’t exist. But real peace—the kind in the second picture—is one that’s ready and available to you when you take shelter in the arms of the Savior!
Prayer Challenge
Pray that despite your circumstances, God would give you peace that surpasses all earthly understanding.
Questions for thought
What kinds of storms are keeping you from feeling God’s perfect peace today?
How might your life look differently if you truly rested in God’s peace – no matter what storms surrounded you? What steps can you take today to start fully experiencing God’s peace?