The Peace of My Valley
2 Corinthians 1:2
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
A long time ago I went backpacking in Arizona. The trail went straight down a cliff (switchback style) and then another 8 miles upstream toward a valley. In the middle of the desert, a valley protected an area that had what it needed to thrive. A stream ran down the middle of this valley bringing fertile soil, the sides of the mountains trapped in moisture.
Here, in the desert, there was a place with grass and trees, water (not drinkable) and berries.
This was where the “campground” was. The pit toilet had a spring on it so that it wouldn’t swing in the breeze and on the door was a sign: “Please don’t let the door slam, it disturbs the peace of our valley”
Life is like that.
We know that we belong to a God of peace. We have been called to a life of peace. Through Christ, we have peace with the Father.
But how often do I forget that! It seems that daily there is something that “disturbs the peace of my valley”. There’s this annoyance and that pressing business. Errands to be run, appointments to keep.
We each need to have a “valley” to retreat to. A friend of mine calls it “garden time”. Jesus had His time alone on the mountainside.
God designed us to have this rest; He called it the Sabbath.
Leviticus 23:3 ‘There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.
Today, most of us don’t keep the “Sabbath”, but we do set aside a day for “rest and sacred assembly”. We belong to the Lord of the Sabbath, and He told us that the Sabbath is made for us, not us for the Sabbath.
So, this day, let us take our rest from the hustle and bustle of the world, let us rest in Him.
Let us ask, “What is disturbing the peace of my valley?”
Romans 15:33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Ellen,
It is so interesting that I just read about peace in my Bible study. This is a beatiful reminder. Thank you
yes, we definite need that quiet on a regular basis, keeps us sane and ready to face the world.
Peace in this troublesome world is definitely needed. I too need it here in my household. Thanks for the reminder of Sabbath peace, and the true peace that comes from God.
Thank you Ellen for this precious reminder that we really need to take rest in Him and His Word…Otherwise the world get us disheartened …
Blessings on your day of rest.
I love this. We all need to experience peace in our valley. Thanks for reminding us that it’s okay to have a rest. Some folks feel so guilty for taking time out, but we actually do ourselves and others a favor when we take time to refresh ourselves. Have you ever encountered someone who needed to take a refreshing break? You want to say, “Do everyone a favor and take a rest.” God never intended us to work ourselves into the ground without rest or relaxation. It’s okay to enjoy life.
We had a similiar message at church today. A good reminder – we were made to rest.
What a perfect post for a by Sabbath day of rest! I appreciate the scripture and food for thought. What a blessing indeed!
Blessings,
Nancy
The list is extensive, but I know that whatever upsets the peace in my valley, my Lord will restore. I have faith!!