Peace in the middle of growth....

Peace in the middle of growth

Acts 9:31

New International Version (NIV)

31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

I found this verse one day....and kept it written down....the book of Acts is a book of action...all the way through.....there is movement by God, world leaders, church leaders, people, the church, the Jews,persecution...truth, voyages, storms ...God moving in lives.....but here is a period of peace in that movement, before the lives of Christians were literally put on the chopping block...

How the peace must felt....growth...through it all.

Sometimes our lives are so hectic, movement, constant movement...that  that time of peace is a blessed  thing. A calmness that our hearts need, our bodies need...for strengthening our minds, souls..."a time of peace....encouragement,   Growth...."

My picture in my mind for this  is a very stormy sea, but deep ,,deep down there is no turbulence , peacefulness even in the storm....there may be tears, even dread, but a deep abiding peace ....in the midst of growth..., action....

I have to ask myself, InThe midst of turbulence, unrest, busyness, despair, am I clinging to that peace, that growth,     To move forward in life,  learning , growing in peace...encouraged by the Holy Spirit?.....

Psalm 4:8

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Proverbs 14:30a

A heart at peace gives life to the body, .....

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:12

Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Isaiah 27:5

Or else let them come to me for refuge; let them make peace with me, yes, let them make peace with me.”

Isaiah 32:17

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

Isaiah 32:18

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.