The potted fruit trees went down, their autumnal leaves
scattering as the branches hit the ground. A rainbow of alerts has been issued
by the Met Office, ranging from red to amber to yellow; trains from Aberdeen
have been cancelled in anticipation of what is to come. Plans are being
changed; bread is in the bread-maker lest we lose power and can’t make a
sandwich; all eyes are turned on the skies.
And that’s just the weather in northeastern Scotland. What
about the agonies in the world today? Can anyone bear to hear the news these
days? Truly the storm winds are raging round the world, and many are toppling
in the violence aimed in their direction. Anxiety levels compound as prices
rise, employment is threatened, and with heightened anxiety comes a plethora of
ill health.
Jesus recommended we batten down the hatches, that we remain
on high alert while still living in his peace. Alert and aware of all that’s
going on, yet at peace in the core of our beings.
How? By hanging on to the promises of Scripture.
They are not just words, the words of the living God. They
are living words which impart power, light and life. ‘The Lord is near,’ Paul
wrote the Philippians. ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
minds in Christ Jesus.’
The peace which is beyond understanding. May it be yours
today, despite whatever storms may stir in your neighbourhood.
‘I cling to You. Your right hand upholds me.’
I am so grateful to be anchored on the Rock.
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