Peace Be Still

Peace Be Still.

Think about two paintings:

The first painting is of a beautiful evening scene in the foreground of which is a lake, its surface absolutely calm and unruffled. Trees surround it, meadows stretch away to the distant cattle gently browsing; a little cottage, the setting sun–all speaking of perfect rest.

The second painting is a wild, stormy scene. Heavy black clouds hung overhead; in the centre of the picture an immense waterfall pouring forth huge volumes of water covered with foam. You can almost hear its unceasing roar, yet perhaps the first thing to strike the eye is a small bird, perched in a cleft of a huge rock, absolutely sheltered from all danger, pouring forth its sweet notes of joy.

When you think about peace, which of these two pictures illustrates it best for you?

For me the second painting best describes peace to me. It speaks of the Peace of God that passes all understanding that though there is chaos all around me, there is peace within me.

I was thinking about that and I thought of Daniel.

Daniel 6:16-21

So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”

¹⁷ A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. ¹⁸ Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.

¹⁹ At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. ²⁰ When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”

²¹ Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! ²² My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

I have never been up close and candid with a lion and that is not something i would want to do. Lions are terrifying beasts that would bring fear into anyone. I remember watching a movie called the “Ghost and the Darkness” about the man eaters of Tsavo and though it was just a movie it brings you face to face with lions and what they are capable of doing.

God does not save Daniel from going into the lion’s den; instead he lets him get in there and then He shuts the mouths of the lions. God gives Daniel peace in the midst of the lions. Now that is what i call peace that surpasses human understanding.

Are you going through a storm? Many times we think God has abandoned us when trouble comes our way. Be encouraged He has not abandoned you, just like he was with Daniel in the lion’s den or with Shadrach Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace He is with you.

Peace, be still and know that He is God!