Friday, August 2nd

Everywhere we look, there are lonely, hurting people.  Miserable lives.  Their faces tell the story of, in many cases, a lifetime of heartache.  Sometimes they are the very poor people but not always.  In fact, we see just as many, if not more, wealthy people with the very same empty, downcast shadow on their faces.  Why?  What is it that the world is looking for?  It's not money or prestige or power.  If that were so, we wouldn't see American Idols overdosing on pills and alcohol.  The one thing that you can't buy is what people are seeking:  PEACE. 

Peace is not ever having to face a storm in life; rather, peace is being in the dead-center of a storm and yet, having a calm serenity in your heart.  Peace is not never being in difficult circumstances; it is knowing that even in the middle of the tornado, you are okay.  I've always heard it said that the eye of the hurricane is the calmest place of the storm.  Umm...yep, that's right.  The dead center of the storm. 

Girls, peace is something that the Lord gives freely to those that will trust in Him alone as Savior.  When He saves us, He doesn't promise there will never be storms; rather, He promises that He will lead us safely through the storm. 

I found this picture, and to me, it's a picture of peace.  You may see it differently.  You may see the wind raging and the waves crashing.  It's all in how you look at it.  There in the midst of the turmoil stands a lighthouse---solid, unmoving.  We can see the unrest; the torrential storm---it's visible.  But, we see also the peaceful calm of the old, faithful lighthouse.  Look a little closer....do you see the image of the man in the doorway of the lighthouse?  He stands there undaunted by the roar of the wind.  He trusted that his lighthouse would stand.  In the spiritual realm, Jesus is our lighthouse.  He is our safe-haven.  In Him there will be peace.



Scripture Reading for the Day:

Proverbs 2
Mark 12