Outwardly there is much to disquiet and distress us. Inwardly we may have God's peace: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee" (Isaiah 26:3).

Two artists put on canvas their conception of peace. One painted a placid rural scene. In the center was a home. Near the home were fertile fields. A quiet road stretched from the home toward the horizon. One could almost hear the whisper of the ripened wheat swayed by the gentle breeze. Cows lay beneath a shade tree, lazily chewing their cud.

The other artist had a totally different concept of peace. In his picture, a tempest raged. The sky was ominous and gloomy. Zigzag flashes of lightning embroidered themselves on the dark storm clouds. A roaring waterfall plunged over the precipice.

How could the artist call this violent, turbulent scene a portrayal of peace? Here's how—on a limb projecting from the cliff, sheltered by an overhanging boulder, sat a bird calmly on its nest, unmindful of the howling storm or the raging waters. There it sat in peace without fear, unperturbed and undisturbed!

PEACE, abiding, abundant peace. At rest with no disturbing element. Is this possible? May we know it in a world of unrest like the bird? Yes! It is blessedly possible. More than that, it is the true and proper portion of the Christian and nothing less than this is right for any believer upon the Son of God. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6,7).

—Sel.