God’s Peace in Nature

“What’s happening? They’re not talking. Leaving their lunches uneaten and going to the upper deck. Let’s go!”

No one’s talking. No picture taking. Silence. Andy is crying.

Patting his back, I ask, “Are you okay, Andy?”

“It’s so beautiful!” He sobs.

“Yes. It’s peaceful.”

Keith hugs me.

I look up at him and smile, “The Holy Spirit is heavy here.”

“Yes.”

I slowly walk to the stern, sit cross-legged and pray. Another student finds me and whispers, “Did you talk with Andy?”

“Yes, the Holy Spirit is here.”

“See the eagle!”

they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Keith and another student join us.

“We’re coming back here for our 50th anniversary.”

“We’ll come with you,” the student blurts out. “We’ll make it a reunion trip.”

We smile.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

We left our eating, and we drank in the righteousness, the peace, and the joy of God through the power of the Holy Spirit that day.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

My prayer

Almighty God, Creator of the Universe, Majestic Father, thank You for displaying Your beauty in nature. Thank You for these encounters with nature to remind us of who You are and that You love us. I pray for peace today. The pandemic has turned our world upside down. Yet, You bring peace for those who press into You. I pray for Your peace that passes all understanding to fill our world’s leaders, our churches’ pastors, and Your people. Give us all Your perfect peace and wisdom. Guard our hearts and give us the hope that only You can give. You are God, and there is none like You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.