Morning Devotional

July 23, 2003

“The Beauty of Peace”  

by Don Emmitte

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God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed. God will protect it at the break of day. The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble! God thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world and causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two; he burns the shields with fire. "Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." (Psalm 46:1-10 NLT)

Walt Whitman wrote, "Peace is always beautiful." We have just returned from a trip to the Smoky Mountains and an extended visit with our children in North Carolina. While in the Smokies we stayed in a cabin up in the mountains. It was somewhat secluded and overlooked a deep valley. As I was usually the first to wake each morning, it was wonderful to fix the coffee and take a cup out on the porch to just sit and listen to the world wake. It was very peaceful. 

Even though I don’t live in the mountains, I start most of my days with peaceful beginnings. I have been asked if I really get up early in the morning and write these devotionals. Unless there are some unusual circumstances, each morning you may find me up early meditating and writing. It’s the way I start the day. It is starting the morning off with my spirit being calmed rather than stressfully churned. It is beginning the day with a smile, instead of a scowl, and a spring in my step, rather than dragging my legs as if the weight of the world were upon my shoulders.  

For me, starting the day with peace also includes gazing into the back yard, watching for the “critters” as they come to the feeder. It is taking a deep breath of fresh air, glad for life, all its blessings, and especially, at that moment, for the familiar smell of coffee as it meets the warm summer air.  

Some may ask “why?” The answer is really pretty simple. I do all of this because it is my desire to live happily and well. I have chosen to seek peace in mind, body and spirit because God calls those who believe in Him to be peacemakers. If we are at war within ourselves, how can we then have joy? This is what I have come to understand as “being silent” before the Lord. This is what I believe David understood when he wrote this morning’s reading. I am grateful that so many people share in these short devotionals. I pray that they will help you start your morning with peace. However, as you can see, they really help me too! They are the result of my own peaceful moment of beauty! God bless you with His peace today!