I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.
JOB 3:26 NIV
DO NOT DISTURB signs do not keep unwelcome intruders away. Frustrating problems, excruciating pain, and mystifying perplexity make personal peace elusive. Unexpected trouble can shatter your repose.
When being good does not pay, cause and effect seems inoperable. Children wonder about everything—you wonder about unjust suffering. Why, you ask, does it seem that in your midnight despair, I desert you? Why, you puzzle, do I appear uncaring when you are hurting the most? Why, you agonize, do I feel like a very absent help in time of trouble?
Life’s raging sea makes rest for your soul seem impossible. On high seas, you doubt if you will ever sail into safe harbor. Staying on an even keel takes all your energy—you panic that you may shipwreck. It is hard to be calm and composed when your world is falling apart—turmoil challenges tranquility.
Be careful, or you may wind up cursing life instead of celebrating it—turning your birthdays into sad occasions. Prayerlessness might even produce a death wish.
In a restless world, there is only one place to find peace and quiet—My heart. If you focus on suffering, you will sigh, not sing. Have a pity party, and you cannot hear the future melody I compose. Give up hope, and you will sit out the faith dance.
Where on earth can you possibly find serenity? Only in Me. Steadfastly trust Me, and I promise to surround you with perfect peace. In an action-oriented world, take time to be quiet in My Presence—and I will strengthen your heart. In a pessimistic world, be confident I will keep My Word—and I will put a spring in your step. In a hectic world, do not join the crowd in running around in a dither—stay near My
heart and stand at ease.
Where in a noisy world can you find a quiet zone? Only in Me. Weary of climbing society’s mountain of self-promotion and success? Carrying a crushing burden of worry about being accepted by others? Trade all that for the pleasure of My company—relax in My Presence.
Let Me teach you lessons you can learn nowhere else in the world. You have a lot to learn—the way up is down, taking a low position gets you to the top, contrition brings joy, repentance leads to victory, giving is receiving, valleys sharpen vision, and midnight is the best time for star-gazing.
Worry will vanish if you tell me what is on your heart, thank Me for blessings, and accept My gift of out-of-this-world peace. Stay near Me, and you will be richly blessed. Your heart will find what you are looking for—I am your Quiet Place.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 187, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
