Peace with God

My daily Devotion

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1

An artist might choose to portray peace by filling his canvas with his rendering of a lovely rose garden where children are playing quietly, or perhaps a pastoral scene with sun shining and animals grazing.

Since life is not always lived in such a picturesque setting, perhaps the artist would choose to depict a storm scene where, beside a rain-swollen stream, a gnarled old oak tree stands with limbs hanging firmly over the raging water, and in a small cleft of one limb a sparrow has made her nest. Neither the sparrow nor her brood seems to be aware of any danger.

The calming of the storms of life, the settling of our minds and emotions, the quiet comfort that assures us that all is well, come from our connection with God. The heartfelt knowledge that we are saved brings a calm assurance that gives beautiful definition to real peace.

We are all called upon to endure storms during our lifetimes, and some are quite severe. They may include sickness or serious injury, family troubles, financial reverses, or other heart-breaking problems. Sometimes the consoling words of Jesus, “Peace, be still,” do not come immediately. We are often required to “stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).

As the sparrow nestled in the branches of the tree, we can nestle into the arms of Jesus, and experience perfect peace with God!