Power of Peace

I looked at my husband and said, "It doesn't get much better than this." We were lying in reclining chairs on the beach, soaking up the warmth of the sun while it was cold at home. Holding hands, listening to the waves lap against the shore, refreshing fruit drinks beside us. I alternated between catching up on reading and listening to inspirational teachings on my mp3 player. Ahh.....

Walking along the beach is one of the most relaxing things in the world for me. I love to feel the sand between my toes, feel the breeze from the water, and listen to the soothing sounds of the water. I watch water swell as it approaches land and then rise into a wave, curling onto itself to creep or crash upon the sand. The entire experience is mesmerizing to me. It calms me. And yet...

There's nothing calm about the waves. Water is powerful. It crushes shells into pieces. Eventually something we'd pick up as a souvenir becomes an indistinguishable part of the sand. Waves eat away at the shoreline, tear apart rocks, and knock down people. We watched a small sea turtle struggle as he to fought the incoming waves to return to the calmer waters further from shore. Water will take you somewhere you don't want to go. It's relentless.

Calming yet powerful.

In our most peaceful times, God is powerful. He encourages, rejuvenates, and prepares us. Respite in him is full-filling.

When you retreat for a time of peace, do you draw within yourself, assuming the peace you encounter is based on your own ability and the rejuvenation you feel comes from a deep well within yourself? Do you consider your abilities and well limited? Do you have a relationship with God and rely on his refreshment to prepare you for what's next in your life?

God is calming yet powerful. In the midst of our most peaceful moments and season, God is powerfully working in our lives. He's relentless. He encourages, rejuvenates, and prepares us. Are you in a peaceful time of life? Rest in his strength. Do you feel battered by the waves? Trust that peace is awaits as you crash upon the shore.

I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13 (NCV)