“If only you had paid attention to My commands. Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18
My favorite place to seek peace and quiet is found in Ogunquit, Maine, in a small art studio nestled within Perkins Cove, right along the coast. It's a second home for me--a place where I can be still, hear from, and reconnect with God.
In chapter 48 of Isaiah, we can almost hear the cry of the prophet to "Hear!" and "Listen!" be-cause "I am the Lord your God." Many times I've walked along the shoreline in the moonlight, just God and me. I'm awed by the vast ocean waves--their seeming endlessness. It's one moment that completely silences me. There is peace in these moments because I have willfully sat, prayed, listened, and heeded.
There have been long stretches of time in my life in which I did not experience peace--times where my obstinate nature kicked in. Rather than waiting on the Lord, concerning things like my career path or applying His word during family pain, I went off pouting. My expectations of ease led me to set out on my own to try to figure it out for myself. What unrest! How I want the peace of God to consume me!
My prayer this Christmas for you and for me is that we'll experience "peace that is like a river and righteousness like the waves of the sea" through our obedience to the Lord's commands. Pray over this verse of Scripture and hear what God would say to you, being careful to listen and to heed.
Lori P. Towns is an administrative assistant for First Baptist Nashville, where she has been a member one year. Lori serves as cruise director/social coordinator for the Single Pro Sunday School Class, as a member of the Singles Leadership Ministry team, and as a prayer partner to a wonderful Next Door participant. Ask her about her past career experiences; you’ll be amazed!
The audio version of today's devotional was recorded by Harry Chapman.
