I heard Billy Graham share a story several years ago about a painting he had seen that illustrated for him the concept of peace. The artist had painted a stormy scene where waves were crashing on craggy rocks. The clouds above were menacing...danger seemed a constant theme of the work. But down in the corner of the weather hewn rock, in a crevice, carved most probably by years of pounding storms, there was a nest with a bird perched securely, seemingly at rest. The title of the work was simply "Peace".
Our lives often bear the marks of life's storms. Weathered by disappointment, pain, and loss, we are not strangers to the threats of life. We would wish that the storms would cease and their danger never threaten. Reality, however, paints for us a different picture. And yet, the promise of God to be with us always is a hollowed-out place in the rock that allows rest, even peace in the storms that come our way.
The Psalmist writes in Psalm 4:8, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety." The presence of God encourages rest for those who will trust in Him, yes, even in the storm.
Jim Abernathy
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