Within an hour after posting this picture, the Gulf Stream winds of western Scotland turned the heavens into a peaceful setting as the sun sat over the horizon. 

Sudden changes. Life is full of them. One moment it looks dark, threatening and scary. The next moment everything is different; calm, serene, even peaceful. It seems as if the world is at peace with itself. 

Jesus once said to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)  An early follower of Jesus named Paul once wrote of this “peace” that it passes all human understanding. 

In the midst of trouble and conflict and a capriciously changing world, those who take Jesus seriously have a certain air about them. They know that God is with them , no matter what happens in life. They are not alone. This air, this counterintuitive sense of peace mystifies the world but His followers know it as a glimpse of grace. 

Lord, in the midst of change and trouble, give me Your peace of mind and heart that passes all human understanding. Amen.