Seeking Peace
There is a story about a wealthy man who was willing to pay a large sum of money to the artist who could best describe what peace is. Several artists brought their paintings of beautiful sunsets and flower meadows for him to see. The man was not enthusiastic about them.
One day, his attention was drawn to the work of two artists. The first painting showed a wonderful lake landscape surrounded by green mountains and pure white clouds in a clear blue sky.
Another artist’s work also showed a lake and mountains in the background. In this painting, however, a strong storm wind was blowing on the lake. The mountains were covered with gloomy and dark heavy rain clouds, which foreshadow the strengthening of the storm.
To everyone’s surprise, the man chose the latter artist’s work depicting peace. He liked the first work as well, but could not find real peace in it. In this stormy land-scape, his attention was drawn to the waterfall, next to which you can see a small bird’s nest hidden in a rock cave. Sheltered from the storm, the mother bird sat on top of the little blue eggs.
According to the man, this painting represented true peace. It reminded him of the God-given peace that endures in the midst of storms and adversity.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but always bring what you need by prayer, supplication and thanksgiving to God. The peace of God, which passes all under-standing, will guard your hearts and minds, so that you may abide in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).
Have a Blessed Summer!
Pastor Timo
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