I have looked for a sign of peace and quiet for a very long time. I knew it had to be out there somewhere. As I’m sure you realize, life gets really hectic sometimes and I just want to run away and find some peace and quiet. Well, I’m delighted to tell you that I found it! “Peace & Quiet Rd” is just off State Highway 73, an obscure 2 lane road, in north-central Illinois. My cousin was driving and I was handling navigator duties when a bright orange street pole with a green placard on top caught my attention. Looking more closely, I saw those magic words, “Peace & Quiet”. Cousin Barb quickly slammed on the brakes and we skidded into Peace & Quiet Rd. This was a photo op moment for sure. I finally found my “Peace & Quiet”.
After a bit of research I found “Peace & Quiet Rd” is a short drive to a lovely Midwest oasis. Wide open spaces of grassland and a smattering of trees are dotted with four homes among this pastoral setting. This is truly a place of peace and quiet. I could easily amble through those fields absorbing the beauty of nature while alone with my thoughts.
I realize it’s not practical to travel to Illinois each time I need to retreat from the world and find peace and quiet; spending time in silence and meditating on God’s Word is a better option. Here are a few of my favorite scriptures that speak peace to my spirit and gently quiet my heart …
- But the time is coming – indeed it’s here now – when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. – John 16:32-33 (NLT)
- You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. – Psalm 4:7-8 (NLT)
- The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. – Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV)
- I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. – John 14:26-27 (NLT)
Father, thank you for your gift of peace and quiet. Continue to remind me that you are ever-present in my life and wait patiently for me to put aside the things of this world to spend time with you. I love that you speak to me in such a tender way when I am silent before you and held safely in your embrace. Amen.
Simple Faith 