Healing Rays of Righteousness

GOD’S WONDERFUL PEACE

In a world of uncertainties, dangers, fears, and anxieties, we hear Jesus inviting us to himself.“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).With this invitation, Jesus beckons us to come near and enjoy his peace-filled presence. To do so, is to discover more of God’s amazing love and desire to be in a close relationship with us. Truly, a love relationship that is amazingly awesome and beyond our grandest imagination.

Whenever I do pause to ponder this truth, I remember the overwhelming amazement and peace I experienced when I first looked over the edge and into the Grand Canyon. I can still feel myself standing there in silence and being so astounded by its awesome greatness and quiet grandeur. Yes, I did feel exceedingly small but thoroughly filled with gratitude and peace in those moments.

And so it is that whenever I read Psalm 23, I can easily imagine hearing the psalmist, David, trying to describe his own grandiose experience of God’s awesome presence and peace, not only for a day, but for every day of his life. And that is why his words, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing” and “he prepares a table (of presence, power, and peace) “before me, in the presence of my enemies” have been such a helpful encouragement for me through difficult experiences.

In Psalm 46, I read that God says to us, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” And just a few verses earlier, the psalmist had declared that “God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3, 10). These strong words of God’s presence and power always encourage me to continue leaning into God’s wonderful presence and peace.

However, I also acknowledge that we live in a remarkably busy and noisy world. And being deafened by noise, blinded by advertisements, and burdened by uncertainties and fearful expectations, we may, at times, have difficulty hearing God’s reassuring love and directive voice calling us to himself and the awesome peace and rest he offers. And I confess to having allowed such difficult times to overshadow and deafen me to Jesus’ daily invitation to come to him and enjoy the awesome peace and rest that he offers us.

To counter that tendency, I suggest it may be helpful to remember Jesus’ parting words to hisdisciples shortly before his crucifixion. Jesus blessed them, saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

It may also be helpful to us and others to more frequently repeat the blessing that the apostle Paul’s gave to the Christians in Thessalonia. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

I am so grateful for hymn writers who gifted us with melodies and messages that awaken the thoughts and feelings in us. For me, music has the power to quiet and re-energize my heart and mind. It is often healing therapy for my weary, hurting, fearful soul. And that is why I find the following hymn so refreshing and reassuring. Hopefully, you can also experience its invitation.

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Ray M. Geigley – “Healing Rays of Righteousness” – www.geigler13@wordpress – 9/5/26