Besides Still Waters

God is in the rushing - and still - waters.

I sat in the Viestenz-Smith park near Loveland, Colorado, on a narrow stretch of land between two waters. On one side was the rushing Big Thompson River. On the other, a calm pool. The water all came from the same source - travelling from high in the Rocky Mountains - but the experience was different.

Both were beautiful, one in its glassy serenity, the other in its rough fluidity. One showed little variety in color except the shadows from surrounding trees and faint outlines of deeply-bedded rocks. The other was peppered with colors, from the jutting rocks to the foaming water created by them. Many stones and pebbles shone from the river bed. The water glistened in hues of green and brown, reflecting the surrounding environment.

We often seek peace and serenity, but I noticed, even in its beauty, I couldn't see as deeply into the calm pool. The edges of the water were littered with vines and moss-covered rocks, and the rocks climbing the edges of land were soaking in algae.

The moving water was clearer. I saw no stagnancy. Rapids are powerful and more difficult to walk through, but the rapids swept away impurities and smoothed the jagged edges of rocks. Foaming waters indicate a change under the water - rocks or change in depth - and serve as a warning. Moving water is diverse, creating contrast between quickly and slowly flowing water.

Do you prefer calm or rushing waters in your life? Why?

I want to make a difference for Jesus. I want to ride the rapids, conquering challenges and fears in God's name. I want to fully rely on God so that my life reflects his power.

As I round the next bend down the mountainside, will I ask for peace and serenity...or boldness, presence and provision? What about you?

This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. Ephesians 3:11-13 (NASB)

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)