People of Peace

 
 

In our culture of hurry, the Bible reminds us again and again that we need not lead lives of worry:

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness. -- Isaiah 41:10

When anxieties overwhelmed me, you comforted and soothed me. -- Psalm 94:19

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Jehovah, make me dwell in security. -- Psalm 4:8

Be courageous and strong of heart. -- Psalm 27:14

Say to those who are anxious at heart: “Be strong. Do not be afraid. Look! Your own God will come with vengeance, God will come with retribution. He will come and save you." -- Isaiah 35:4

Be courageous, and may your heart be strong, all you who are waiting for Jehovah. -- Psalm 31:24

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. -- Matthew 11:28-30

For many of us, these promises of peace are easily forgotten when life brings its complications. But how can we be people of peace? Listen to the wisdom in the poem "I Worried" by Mary Oliver:


I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers
flow in the right direction, will the earth turn
as it was taught, and if not how shall
I correct it?

Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven,
can I do better?

Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows
can do it and I am, well,
hopeless.

Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it,
am I going to get rheumatism,
lockjaw, dementia?

Finally I saw that worrying had come to nothing.
And I gave it up. And took my old body
and went out into the morning,
and sang.

Oliver, who won both the National Book Award and a Pulitzer Prize, was an avid walker who found inspiration in the natural settings around her. As you witness the leaves budding around you this week, will you choose to live a life of worry or wonder?

Rev. Dr. Jennie A. Harrop