Photography by Judy Evenson, who has generously contributed to Peace for the Storm.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
— John 14:6 (NKJV) —
Scripture
He Will Quiet You.
The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness.
He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing.
— Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV) —
Chosen and Faithful.
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.
— Revelation 17:14 (NKJV) —
Like A Tree Planted By the Waters.
It seems like no matter where I’ve lived, it’s been somewhere near a river–the Connecticut River, the Columbia River, the Tennessee River. I’ve always been amazed at the life that springs up around these rivers, from the wildlife to the cities and towns themselves. It seems like where water is, there is life.
Today’s verse in Jeremiah also talks about how life flourishes by water. Just like a tree is supplied by the streams where it plants its roots, so we will be nourished by putting our trust and hope in God. Roots driven deeply into the ground, soaked by the waters of the river, will never cease quenching the thirst of the tree, even when harsh conditions come its way, like heat or drought.
I want to be like that tree, planted so firmly in Christ that I will not be shaken when adversity and trials come my way. I want to be so near Christ that I will never be lacking for a source of hope and encouragement. I want to never stop bearing fruit for Him. I want to be nourished by that life-giving water Jesus offered to the woman at the well–the water that will never run dry.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes. But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.
— Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NKJV) —
In Its Time.
God’s timing is perfect! We can trust that He will give us what’s best for us, when it’s best for us. Sometimes it’s really hard to be patient, isn’t it? You may be wondering why you haven’t gotten married yet. Or if you’re married and wanting children, you might be asking God why you haven’t been able to have a baby. Maybe your prayer requests are about finding the right college major, or finding the “perfect” apartment or house. Maybe you have a physical injury that you’re asking Jesus to heal. Have you been asking God to fulfill a particular prayer request? You can be certain that He always hears our prayers, and that He will answer them according to His will, in His own good time. Have faith today in Christ and His always-perfect timing! He loves us with an everlasting love and we can trust Him fully.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
— Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NKJV) —
In the Beginning Was The Word.
Photography by Karl, of Karl Lindsay Photography, who has generously contributed to Peace for the Storm.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
— John 1:1 (NKJV) —
The Battle Is Not Yours.
We can always depend on Jesus to protect and care for us! He is our defender and we can rely on Him in all situations! Photography of the Scottish highlands by Amanda and Lindsey’s father.
Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’
— 2 Chronicles 20:15b (NKJV) —
Surely I Am Coming Quickly.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
— Revelation 22:20 (NKJV) —
I Live by Faith.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
— Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) —
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
— Matthew 5:4 (NKJV) —
I lost thirteen beloved coworkers on December 2 and I continue to mourn their loss. The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter (John 14:16, KJV) and I have been actively praying for the Comforter to help me in this grieving process. I have also been comforted by the knowledge that Christ understands my sadness. He was called a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). When He lost his dear friend Lazarus, He wept (John 11:35). I know when I cry, Jesus feels and understands my anguish.
One of my favorite authors, Ellen White, wrote the following about today’s verse.
The blessed Saviour…longs to clasp our hands, to have us look to Him in simple faith, permitting Him to guide us. His heart is open to our griefs, our sorrows, and our trials. He has loved us with an everlasting love and with loving-kindness compassed us about. We may keep the heart stayed upon Him and meditate upon His loving-kindness all the day. He will lift the soul above the daily sorrow and perplexity, into a realm of peace. Think of this, children of suffering and sorrow, and rejoice in hope. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4.
— Excerpt from the book Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 12.
Reader, I do not know what you may be going through in your life right now, but Jesus does. He is always with you. Have faith in Him. He will help you with whatever trial or struggle you are facing. Pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort you, and He will. Jesus is coming again VERY soon, and in heaven we will never sorrow or mourn again. What a glorious day that will be!!