Peace and Quiet
Yes, we live down where the pavement ends. The pavement really does end just past our house. Many of our visitors have expressed feelings like, “We thought we would never get here.” They often add, “It sure is quiet and peaceful out here.” Yes, we do enjoy a peaceful neighborhood. Nonetheless, the term “quiet” is relative.
Early one morning as I enjoyed sitting on my back porch, I realized it was not really quiet down here. There is a low hum of fans from a nearby chicken farm. From a highway two miles away, there is a constant sound of traffic. I hear a train blowing its horn from seven miles away. Also in the corner of my back porch sits an old refrigerator imitating a John Deere tractor. So while it is peaceful down here, I can’t really say that it is quiet.
It has been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I believe that to be true. I also believe that quietness is in the ear of the listener. Peace is in the heart of the believer. If you choose to rejoice in the Lord, and be joyful in God, then He will envelope you in salvation. He will wrap you in righteousness. Peacefulness and a quiet soul are fruits of a righteous heart.
In Isaiah 32:17-18 we are assured that “The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness, and assurance forever.” God says “My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in quiet resting places”.
Perhaps today, your heart is overwhelmed with turmoil. You long for a place of tranquility. How wonderful it would be if you could sit on a back porch. You could listen to the birds singing. The wind would be whispering. Yet, experiencing peacefulness and quietness is not contingent on your location. Instead, it is determined by the state of your heart. Wherever you are today, God invites you to be still and know that He is God. He will keep you in perfect peace if your mind is focused on Him.
From the Bible
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:4-9 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/php.4.4-9.NKJV
Douglas & Deborah Huff
From Down Where the Pavement Ends
Email- douglas@pavementendsminstry.com
“And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:1-12 NKJV
so true seems have to have the latest gadget and miss the beauty of being quiet – regardless of were one is.