Finding Peace

 

As I sit here and write this blog, my roof is being replaced. If you’ve ever had that done before, you know that the noise can be disturbing to say the least.

I am trying to channel my youth ministry days when I would have to block out the chaos around me in order to think/work at times. I’ve turned on music and steadied my thoughts on the work I have to do today. Some moments are more challenging than others, and I may need to reach for Tylenol at some point; but otherwise, it’s manageable.

I’m having an easier time with this than my dog. He’s still convinced the sky is falling and we must evacuate. He has followed me around all morning letting out concerned barks along the way. He goes back and forth from sitting as close as he can to me, to curled up under my desk; all the while observing me to measure my level of concern.

The calmer and more unreactive I am to the chaos, the calmer he is. It’s been interesting to observe.

I took note of this as I was reading my devotional this morning and started to see a correlation.

My devotional reading this morning brought me to Psalm 91.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
 For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
 He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
    these evils will not touch you.
 Just open your eyes,
    and see how the wicked are punished.

 If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
 no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
 For he will order his angels
    to protect you wherever you go.
 They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
 When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
 I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”

 

When I had finished reading this I glanced at my faithful companion. His eyes were fixed on me; and amidst the disturbingly loud banging and vibrating of our house, he was quiet and calm.

 

He saw that I had peace and through my reassuring voice he decided to follow my lead.

 

I communicated to him that there was no need to worry and he believed me.

 

In that moment I became filled with emotion. Honesty, I was choked up. What I had just read in Psalm 91 came to life in a way I had never seen before. In each line and word God is giving His assurance of protection and peace. I couldn’t help but ask myself….” Do you believe God Patti?”

 

Do I believe God in the way my sweet pup believed my expression of safety and peace? Do I fix my eyes on the Lord when there is uncertainty all around me?

 

When the world begins to bang loudly on my soul and I can feel the vibration of the circumstances around me, do I trust and abide in God?

 

“You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”

 

I want to live my life with that kind of trust. The trust that says “I don’t know or understand what’s going on around me, but Lord because you give me your assurance I believe and find peace in that."

 

I want to follow the Lord the way my pup follows me today. When the large bangs of life happen, I want my first reaction to be, to look towards my Heavenly Father for assurance; and when I do, I pray that I will truly embrace the peace of His presence in my abiding.

 

What’s banging on your life today? What’s disturbing your peace? How is that making you feel and where are you seeking reassurance?

 

Know that you have a Heavenly Father who wants you to abide in Him. He is our refuge and strength. Under His wings we find refuge.

 

“His faithfulness is a shield and a buckler.” Vs. 4

 

May your hearts be reminded of this today as mine was; through the eyes of my sweet furry companion and friend.

 

-Pastor Patti