Sometimes it’s hard to find peace when it seems as if everything in our lives is in a constant state of change. When the world around us is in a frenzy, we can find peace. That peace is found in God. Our verse for today gives us a picture of peace. Psalm 1:3 says, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1 tells us of the blessings God bestows on those who walk in His ways. Verse 1 tells us that we are blessed when we do not “walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers” (NASB 1995). Verse 2 tells us that such a person delights in God’s law and meditates on it. The result of that is found in verse 3, that person is compared to a tree planted by quiet waters.
That is a picture of peace! A life of quiet solitude and solace even when everything around them is changing. The Lord gives us the blessing of peace, even when our world is in a state of chaos when we follow His ways and meditate on His Word. Psalm 23 has often been a chapter many people go to during times of upset and turmoil. It is often quoted at funerals because it gives comfort to those left behind.
Why? The image of the Shepherd tending His sheep in a pasture by still waters brings us a sense of peace and strength. During a time of great grief, change, upset, and turmoil, that passage tells us where we can find strength and peace. God is our Shepherd, and He leads us to peace.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of change. I like life to follow a routine. It brings stability to my life. When my first husband had his first stroke and was in the hospital after having brain surgery, our lives were in turmoil. There was a big change coming at work at the same time, and for me, it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. My life was turned upside down at home and now things were going sideways at work, at least that’s how it felt to me. I didn’t like the change at work, and I remember complaining to my boss, “Why can’t things just stay the same?” I felt like I had no control over anything in my life, at home or work. My stress level was through the roof! It took me a while, but eventually, I was able to navigate those waters well enough that my life took a somewhat peaceful path. I had to rely heavily on God during those days. The closer we draw to God, the more we will find His peace in our lives, even when things change.
Our verse today also says that another of God’s blessings to those who walk in His ways is that whatever that person does, prospers. Now the way I see it, that prosperity isn’t just financial. Prosperity can be anything from receiving favor from others in the way of good reports, finding a good friend, or even just little things like finding a parking spot at the grocery store. We are prosperous in so many ways, most of which I think we don’t even recognize. God blesses those who love Him and walk according to His precepts. If we stay faithful to Him, walk uprightly, and meditate on His Word, then He will bring blessings to us that result in a life of peace.
If you are going through a time of change, trust God. Draw closer to Him and meditate on His Word. You will find that even in a time of transition, God will give you peace in the middle of the storm. Be like that tree planted by quiet waters and rest.
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