Perhaps you’ve heard about a king was building a new palace and wanted his main entrance hall to be decorated with a large painting. Because he saw his kingdom as a peaceful land, the king decided that the painting best representing peace would win the honored place.
Naturally, hundreds of paintings were submitted for consideration, and the king spent the next few months eliminating all but the best two. Before announcing the winner, he hung both paintings in the palace for public viewing.
The first painting was of an undoubtedly peaceful scene. It featured a majestic mountain lake so perfectly still that the landscape behind it was mirrored in its reflection. The sky, too, was idyllic: brilliant blue, with fluffy clouds floating above. Around the lake were beautiful wildflowers and a calmly grazing family of deerin the distance.
The second painting also portrayed a mountain scene, but of a dramatically different character. It featured a cliff, rugged and strong. A few small trees grew out of the cracks in the face of the cliff, with gnarled roots clinging for life. A waterfall crashed violently down the cliff and into the misty abyss. The clouds looming overhead this landscape were dark and ominous, and in the distance lightning flashed. Halfway up the cliff grew a small bush. In its branches, a bird sat in a nest, warming her eggs.
After several weeks, the king declared the second painting the winner. Surprised, the people asked the king to explain his decision. He said, “Peace is not the absence of conflict. Peace is a state of mind. Those who experience peace have clarity and calm even when turmoil surrounds them.”
So how about the two of you? Which painting would you have chosen? What is your vision of a peaceful life? You’ve probably heard of the political doctrine of achieving “peace through strength.” But for God-followers, it’s the other way around: strength through peace. When you are feeling your weakest, when you are broken and frail, God promises to keep you in “perfect peace” when your mind is focused on him. Why? Because as the prophet Isaiah said, God is the Rock eternal. God is your strength.
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Thanks for the food for thought. I am tranquil most of the time and enjoy serenity, but I will cogitate on the alternative way of looking at peace. Thanks.
On an unrelated subject, Parrotts, I am reading a book by Calvin Miller called “The Dogs of Snoqualmie”, a work of fiction the blends elements of spirituality with who-done-it. The plot is based in Seattle.
PS — Thanks for the tip on Salish Lodge. We absolutely loved it and are telling everyone about it.
Peter: Terrific! And thanks for your recommendation on the book.
We are dealing with the death of a dear friend of our family. My father-in-law, who passed just three years ago was this man, Tracy’s, best friend. We are not sure what we will face as we spend time with his family, and the “peace” we carry with us as a Christian couple will be our strength to endure this hardship. I love the illustration of the painting, we would definitely pick the second one, but I fear most of my non-believing or non-practicing friends and family would have picked the first one.
Mark: We will say a prayer for your situation. Thanks for letting us know.
What a delightful surprise and a wonderful reminder. Thanks!
Wayne: We are so glad you enjoyed it. We love hearing from you.
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We’re so glad to hear of God’s guidance in your life, and for you being open to hearing from Him. You’re in our prayers!
Bravo, el pensamiento magnÍfico
Estamos muy contentos de que haya disfrutado de este post!
God bless u for bringing C2C Devotional my way, you have blessed me tremendously, that second illustration of peace is one lesson i cherish so much .
We are so glad you enjoyed this devotional, Lovina. Comments like yours make it all worthwhile.