There once was a contest that offered a great prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The committee looked at all the pictures, but it really came down to two beautiful paintings.

One picture was of a calm, serene lake. The lake mirrored the peaceful mountains that towered over it. There above the mountains was a pale blue sky dotted with soft, white clouds. Surely, said the crowd this was the perfect picture of peace.

The other picture had mountains, too. These were rugged, stark against an angry sky from which rain fell, and the storm clouds roiled. There rushing down the side of the mountain tumbled a frothing waterfall. The picture did not look peaceful at all.

Then as you looked closely you saw it. There behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock and in the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest.. safe and in perfect peace.

Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no turmoil, trouble, or problem. As long as we are in this world there will be problems. No.. Peace means you can be in the middle of crisis.. in the midst of some terrible problem and still have the assurance that everything is going to be okay. That is the real peace. This kind of peace comes from the knowledge that you are in the hands of a loving and caring God. A God who will see you through every storm and every battle!



How To Get That Peace..

Are you in turmoil? Are you fighting that heart-wrenching, knot in the stomach feeling? You can have that peace right now. You see, we have a God that really cares. He cares so much that He sent His Son to make a way for us to come into His loving presence as His children. He cares for you. He wants to help you. All we have to do is turn back to Him. Like the prodigal son who had run away from home.. God waits on us to return to Him."

You can have that peace right now by simply asking God to take control of your life. Just tell the Lord that you need His help. Ask Him to come into your heart as your Lord and Savior and allow Him to begin to show you the way to live in peace, joy and happiness.

Then follow Paul's instructions in Philipians 4:6-8, when he says, "Be anxious for nothing but in everything with prayer, supplications and with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.." Put your worries, your fears, your concerns in the hands of God and let Him begin to change your attitude and the circumstances. He is that kind of God!!

Then do what Paul says in Philipians 4:8, when he says then "Think on these things.. the things with a good report.. the good things.." Don't dwell on your problems but instead begin to think on the good things that God is doing for you. Remember, He is there helping you even now. Then you can rest in His peace.. even in the worst circumstances.. knowing the living God is watching over you.

Most of all.. Remember.. God loves you!