Tranquility

Just got back from an hour long walk. Outside. Without a coat. In Wisconsin. In the middle of January. Hey, it’s 54 degrees, and I’m going to take advantage of that warm sun on my face. Apologies to the skiers, snowboarders, and those who like to skid and slide on slick streets (you know who you are); this “sprinter” (yes, I did combine the words “spring” and “winter”) has been lovely in my opinion. Tomorrow, the weather will finally realize what season it is, and it appears the Lord will be sending several inches of white stuff. Today is the last of the calm before the storm.

I’ve been thinking a lot about storms lately, especially since I read this quote by Warren Wiersbe: “While there is tumult on earth, there is tranquility in heaven.” God, while being intimately involved in all the details of every person’s life,  is not worried about the events of this earth. He is in utter and complete control; the outcome of each storm, whether real or figurative, is already known. His plans and purposes will prevail. Thus, perfect peace exists in heaven.

As one who has believed in Jesus Christ and his work for me on the cross, I am now a child of God. My position as his child is “seated . . .  in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6) That’s my real place – the most tranquil, restful place imaginable. While I live as an alien and stranger on earth, storms overtake me frequently. Little storms of annoyance and frustration and disappointment. Large storms of sorrow and tragedy and faith-shaking questions.

I must “abide above” in that place of peace by looking to my Savior in each trial. A friend of Hudson Taylor  paraphrased that man of faith by saying , “Look up! See the Man in the glory. Let the face of Jesus shine upon you . . . is he worried or distressed? There is no care on his brow, no least shade of anxiety. Yet the affairs are his as much as yours.”

Hallelujah! I am Jesus’ and he is mine. If he is not worried about the storms of my life, how can I be?