Sunday Morning Rain

Saturday night I left our bedroom windows open, despite the weatherman's prediction of rain. Or, should I say BECAUSE of his rain prediction. I enjoy sleeping with the windows open during the summer, even when it is raining. I find the sounds of gently falling precipitation quite comforting.

What brings you peace?

Perhaps it's that hot cup of coffee in your hands as you read your favorite blog in the morning. It could be the view from a mountaintop, watching the sunset or simply cuddling with the one you love. All those things sounds quite wonderful. There are many things that can bring us peace.

One of the things that bring me both peace and joy is taking long walks in the woods with just my camera and my Bible as companions. Something amazing happens when I sit down on a stump and pull out God's incredible Word and begin to read. The words seem to jump off the page at me. They seem to sink in deeper when I read them in the woods. Why is that?

Usually when I read I like things quiet so I can "hear" what God has to say. If the TV is on or I am sitting in a techno-filled environment, His Word doesn't seem to sink in as deeply as it should.

If I find myself struggling on a particular day reading God's promises usually melts the troubles away. Here's one verse, filled with encouraging words, that can be tremendously comforting on those dreary, trouble-filled days.

"6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”- Deuteronomy 31:6

Contemplate those words this morning as you sip your coffee . . .

"Be strong and courageous" - God does not want us to be timid in our faith. He wants us to be bold. He wants us to stand our ground when people confront us or we find ourselves tempted.

"Do not be afraid" - Fear is something God does not want us to have. We should have tremendous confidence if we are truly IN Him.

"God goes with you" - What an amazing thought! No matter what happens in our lives, the Creator of the Universe is with us!

"He will never leave you or forsake you" - In today's world filled with "love the one your with" relationships, how comforting it is to know that there is one relationship that will NEVER fail - our relationship with God.

I have a question for you this morning. In those moments of peace that you have . . . in those moments of calm and relaxation . . . what is it that you think of?

Do you think of yourself? Do you think of others? Or do you think about God? The One who placed all those things into your hands. Let us praise God on our rainy days and sunny days as well. God brings us peace, but only if we are in Him, in His presence. Seek Him with all your heart. The single best thing you can do to find peace and calm in your life is to place your faith and trust in Jesus. Once you do that, the world you are living in suddenly changes. You find peace.

"7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7

Grace Like Rain - Todd Agnew