You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

• Psalm 26:3-4

“One time, artists were invited to paint a picture of peace. The paintings were many and varied, but the winner depicted a little bird sitting calmly on its nest, which was built on a slender branch overhanging Niagara Falls. The peace of the little bird did not depend on its surroundings. The fierceness of the pounding water was observed at a distance, as the bird remained still-safe in the care of its Creator. And so it is with us. As Christians, our peace of heart and freedom from fear do not depend on our circumstances but on our trust in God. Fear is a lack of faith. …
“I have a very practical tip for you. Take notice of all the blessings He gives and all those He has given in your past. Don’t just blurt out a few, but spend some time with a pen and paper and write out as many as you can. It does not matter if they are big blessings like salvation and healing, or if they are small like the joy of hearing a child laugh or the fragrance of a flower.
“When we set out to be mindful of our daily gifts, it sends us on a quest to find God’s hand throughout the day. It helps to shift our mind-sets, so we can become more aware of the Father and the many things we have to be thankful for. As the old hymn says, ‘Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you, what the Lord has done.’”

• Corrie ten Boom, God is my Hiding Place

“My peace of heart does not depend on my circumstance but on my trust in God.”

• Corrie ten Boom, Highlighted Quote

Boilerplate

In this new mini-series, I will be looking at a devotion that is said to be written by Corrie ten Boom.  Really, this devotion is like several that I had read.  They come from the writings of that person.  Thus, the prayers at the end may be the editor’s addition to what Corrie ten Boom actually wrote.

Each of these posts will include the suggested verses to read, a quote from the writing that came from a Corrie ten Boom book (five in all according to the copyright page, but no chapter in the book is given the specific book of origin).  I will also include the highlighted quote, similar to an internet quotation, and I will end with the quoted prayer for that devotion.

Discussion

I served in the military during a time of peace, but the Cold War was never peaceful.  In the Corps of Engineers, you had to switch from construction to combat ready at any minute.  The big problem was that you might be a couple hundred miles from where your weapons were stored.

The painting of a bird next to Niagara Falls is interesting in that the bird was only at peace by trusting in God.  God provides the power to overcome.  When we rely on our own power, we are going to realize our weaknesses soon enough.

But to maintain the peace, it is almost a conscious decision that our faith is enough.  Like Tante Corrie suggests, we could count our blessings.  We can read the Scripture more, anything to keep our eyes on Jesus.

But let’s be honest.  There are few spots on this earth that are catastrophe free.

I wrote years ago about a Jerry Clower story.  He told the story of a teacher having everyone in her class close their eyes while she played a recording of a piece of classical music.  A girl bubbled over in excitement.  She had seen in her imagination that the deer were frolicking, and the rabbits were hopping, and the birds were singing.  She went on and on about what the piece of music gave her in her mind’s eye.  Then the teacher called on one of the boys.  He said, “I didn’t see none of that, but I heard it when the dam busted.”  In other words, in the classical piece there was an abrupt change in volume, tempo, whatever.

We all observe what we choose to observe.  But there might be the chance of severe weather.  The power might go out.  There might be a riot in town and the stores close down after being looted.

Yet, when we truly trust in God, it does not matter what the circumstances are.

God has it under control and His will be done.

Closing Prayer

“Father, help me to be like that little bird-trusting, still and completely at peace. You have lifted me up, high above my enemies all around. From the heights of my stance in You, I will be unscathed by the strength of the dangerous waters beneath. I am safe because I am covered by Your love. I am thankful because You are with me. I am at peace when I remember Your faithfulness to me.”

• Corrie ten Boom, God is my Hiding Place (prayer for Day 27, The Place of Peace)

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.