What Does Peace Mean to You?

 "God is a tranquil being and abides in a tranquil eternity. So must your spirit become 

                      a tranquil and clear little pool, wherein the serene light of God can be mirrored."

Gerhard Tersteegen

1697-1769

I've had this picture and its story in a journal dated 2004. It was a well known

story back then. Discover why this is the "Picture of Peace" at the end of this post.

What does peace look like to you? That question was asked me in the book “100 Favorite Prayers.”

How would you describe peace? Lying on the beach at the ocean? Walking through the woods on a fresh spring morning? Sitting and enjoy a rousing thunderstorm and being at rest with it? (That’s what Jerry said.)

But what does it mean to me? I thought these words best described what peace means to me: “A calm and deep settled confidence that God is in control of my life and all things.” For me, that would provide peace for every day of my life and anything that happens to me along the way.

"Finding God, you have no need to seek peace,

for He Himself is your peace."

Frances J. Roberts

Isaiah said in verse 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” I guess I was on the right wavelength with my description.

Stacy Edwards, who wrote the book, “100 Favorite Prayers,” said there are three elements to the peace that Isaiah wrote about: The peace of Isaiah’s prayer was perfect. It was more than just a momentary rest. It includes completeness, wellness in body and spirit, and overall harmony.

"True peace is found by man in the depths of his own heart,

the dwelling place of God."

Johann Tauler

1300-1361

The second element is perpetual. Isaiah had the assurance that God would keep in perfect peace the one who would fix his or her mind on Him. It would be ongoing and consistent regardless of circumstances.

The third element is that God is the provider of this perfect and perpetual peace. It is available to all who fix their minds on God.

What does peace mean to you? Below, the story of the "Picture of Peace."

By His Grace . . .