Harried, discouraged, rushed, distracted, stressed, frustrated, depressed? I have known each of these, and at times, a combination of two or three. You have as well and, maybe, it describes where you are now. There are a number of ways that people cope with the pressures of life. Some are helpful, some harmful. Yet is there a way, regardless of how the storms rage around us, that we can find that place of serenity, even in the midst of chaos?

Let me begin with the conclusion. The place of rest we seek is found in what can easily be described as Presence, Christ’s presence in the midst of our storms. It is when our souls are at rest in Him, we find His inner peace.

Psalm 23 lays out one major requirement necessary to find that place of peace. It is our willingness to be led into it. He is the Shepherd that leads; we are the sheep that hear His voice and follow. In His presence we lack nothing.

• Presence leads us into those places of rest and deep peace, green pastures and still waters. His rest restores our soul, bringing calm to our emotions and clarity to our minds. Our will is more easily pliable when our soul is at rest.
• Presence leads us in ways that are healthy and wholesome, in paths of righteousness or rightness, for His name’s sake.
• Presence meets us, even in our darkest places, in the valley of the shadow of death. His rod of authority and staff of protection drive fear and evil from us. In this place, there is His comfort.
• Presence brings His blessings and provision, when others might seek to destroy or strike fear. We draw from His bounty and feast at His table.
• Presence overflows in joy and blessings to others, as He empowers and anoints. The vessel cannot contain His fullness. It flows freely to the lives of those around us.
• Presence brings a continuance from one life to the next, from goodness and mercy to that eternal rest, found only in Him, forever.

A productive life comes from a place of rest. A fruitful life draws from the source of life, “the fountain of living water”.

• “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing … by this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, so you will be My disciples.” John 15: 5, 8
• “You make known to me the path of life. In Your presence there is fullness of joy. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

Blessings!