My school participated in a program to introduce elementary school children to the arts. It included a field trip to the symphony. The bus ride and being out of class were exciting enough. But the discordant sounds of the musicians warming up puzzled me. I wondered why they practiced in public. Shouldn’t they have prepared beforehand?
After a lot of noise no one would call music, the auditorium darkened. A man dressed in black tails walked across the stage. Everyone clapped when he bowed. A hush fell over the room when he faced the orchestra and held up a small wand.
He paused with the baton in the air until every eye watched. Then he began to rhythmically move the wand and every musician played in sync with his wand and with each other. It was beautiful. In front of me my teacher’s hand gently swayed with the music. My insides also began to waltz. We were one with the conductor.
The Longing for Harmony
No matter what topic we cover in our weekly Bible study the subject of the discord in our world seems to come up. The world groans under the strain of the noise and confusion that bellows from every sector of society and corner of our world (Rom. 8:19-24). Can anyone bring sweet music out of this clanging chaos?
Yes! One day the Great Conductor will ride His white horse onto the world stage (Rev. 19:11-12). And every eye will be riveted on Him. He will silence the clamoring and restore the earth to its pre-fall peace and beauty. Jesus is the only one who holds the power to lead us into perfect peace.
Can anyone bring #harmony to this chaotic world? Yes! One day the Great Conductor will ride His white horse onto the world stage. #peace Click To TweetAs we wait for that great day, those of us who know Him can experience His peace in our hearts even if we can’t bring it to the world. As we listen to Him each day through His Word, we find comfort and hope. We find strength.
Our longing for peace will only be fully satisfied when the Prince of Peace returns to this world to lead us. While we wait for His return, let’s choose to let Him reign in our hearts.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:8-9 NLT).
Resource to Help You Experience Peace
The Lord provides peace and joy for those who feed on Him. We start by cultivating the daily habit of meeting with Him. When we have that in place we’ll safely navigate our way through any storm. Like a stable horse, we follow the well-worn path that leads home to the comfort and shelter we need.
- Would you like a peace that isn’t tied to your circumstances or people’s approval?
- Do you want relief from worry, regret, unreasonable people, and your own messy emotions?
- Would you like peace to govern your holidays instead of stress and chaos?
- Would you rather be fruitful than driven?
Give Yourself a Break shows you how. This interactive study addresses ten areas that can cause us stress and is for groups and individuals. (A leader’s guide is available). Its user-friendly format helps you find peace for your life challenges. The daily lessons include the Scripture. You just add a pen and an open heart to this simple guide for your time with the Lord.
For a limited time you can get the new e-book Give Yourself a Break from Worry and Regret for only $.99. It covers two of the ten topics from the original book.
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Blessings,
Photo by Masaaki Komori on Unsplash
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Finding moments of peace can be hard at times. Thank you for writing this book and the reminder that we can find peace in Him. 🙂
Melissa, you are right. It takes vigilance. Thank you!
Peace seems so illusive at times. I’ve come to recognize that the more I strive for it in this world, the more difficult it becomes to find/achieve it. It is when I let go of this world and seek Him and His world, where I belong, that His peace finds its way to my core. I will be ordering a copy of your book very soon Ms. Debbie; and will look for ways I can use it to help others find that same peace. God’s blessings ma’am.
Thanks, J.D. I think you have found the secret, “It is when I let go of this world and seek Him and His world, where I belong, that His peace finds its way to my core. ” If only the cares of the world wouldn’t keep invading our peace. 🙂 It certainly takes deligance, but it is available.
Can you recommend an easy to understand Study Bible? Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Delores, that’s a great question. I know many who enjoy the NIV study Bible. I suggest you go to Biblegateway.com and read a few passages in some different translations to see what you like. Then you can choose a study Bible that uses that translation.
I have used the NASB Ryrie study Bible for years, but it’s language is more formal sounding now as our language has changed. So I wouldn’t suggest that one. I also use the Quest NIV study Bible. But I use online tools like blueletterbible.org/ more than notes in a Bible. In fact I don’t like too many notes in my Bible. I don’t want to be swayed by commentary there unless it helps explain the translation and cultural meaning. I think the important thing is to find the translation you like to read. That’s the one you’ll read.
Some translations to try: My husband likes ESV. NLT and GW (God’s Word) are easy to read translations. I’m not sure there are study Bibles in all of those.
Awesome Debbie! I just ordered the Kindle book.
Thank you, Ann. You’re the best!
Waiting is tough, Debbie! Thank you for this excellent post.
Pinned.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Thank you, Patsy. Delighted to discover your site today.
This is key, Debbie: “Jesus is the only one who holds the power to lead us into perfect peace.” Thank you for that vital tip to call to mind when I’m attempting to seek other “things” to give me peace!!
Thank you, Julie!
I often find peace when I take time to appreciate simple things (right now, one of our dogs is warming my feet on the couch!). Thank you for this encouraging post.
I have two dogs, Robin. And they bring a lot of encouragement to me too.
Thank you Debbie for this, been lately struggling to find peace.
Thank you, Debbie, and God bless you.