Peace and Quiet
Down where the pavement ends. Yes, that is where we live. The pavement really does end just passed our house. Many of our visitors have said things like, “We thought we would never get here.” They often comment, “It sure is quiet and peaceful out here.” Yes, we do enjoy a peaceful neighborhood. However, 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 hum of fans from a nearby chicken farm. There is a constant sound of traffic from a highway two miles away. I also hear a train blowing its horn from seven miles away. Also in the corner of my back porch sits an old refrigerator that is imitating a John Deere tractor. So while it is peaceful down here, I can’t 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. Choose to rejoice in the Lord. Be joyful in God. Then He will envelop you in salvation and 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. Sitting on a back porch and listening to the birds singing would be wonderful. Hearing the wind whispering would also be delightful. However, peace and quiet are 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.
Douglas & Deborah Huff
From Down Where the Pavement Ends
Email- douglas@pavementendsminstry.com
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
