What are murmurs of peace, and how can we hear them throughout our days? We each may have different experiences that wake up certain memories of times we felt calm and peaceful. But the connecting cord that binds us is the Holy Spirit, who Jesus sent to be our Comforter and Guide.
John 14:26 (CSB)
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.
I am thankful that God has connected me in person and online with friends who sense that nearness of God to us. Together we encourage one another as we share our collective experiences.
What is Peace?
What is peace? I’m sure everyone has a different idea of peace and how to find it. Here are a few of the definitions given at Rhymezone:
- noun: a treaty to cease hostilitiesExample: “Peace came on November 11th”
- noun: the absence of mental stress or anxiety
- noun: harmonious relations; freedom from disputes
There are cries for peace throughout history, and people have different ways of looking for it. But there is a kind of peace that comes from the Lord that transcends all others. It can be found by putting our trust in our Creator God.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.
This peace is not imaginary but very real. Sometimes it comes instantly, but often it’s gradually over time as we read the Bible, pray and internalize His Word. Then when hardships come we are more prepared to face them, armed with strength and peace that comes from God.
Murmurs of Peace through Scripture and Experience
I’m thankful for my practice of reading the Psalms every day, meditating on the words as I write them out and composing a haiku. It has given me a strong base to return to when feelings of anxiety or fear try to take over.
I remember who God is, who I am in Him as a beloved child, and I rest in the fact that He knows all and has promised to always be with me. These reminders are like little murmurs of peace.
There is also experience as we see God working in our lives through the years. My husband and I have gone through many hard seasons in our 46 years of marriage. During every trial, God has been at work providing for our needs, sometimes through friends and other circumstances. When I look back over my life, I see that even when I didn’t realize it, God was always sending murmurs of peace.
Peace that Defies Understanding
I have learned that God gives a peace that passes understanding. How else could I be calm and at peace when there is so much chaos around? Yes, we can use deep breathing and relaxing to help our bodies calm down, but God’s peace goes much deeper.
When I meditate on His word and think about all He has done in the past, I remember that He is in control. No one can thwart His purposes, but He can change our directions when we go against His will.
Rather than feeling helpless, I find it comforting when I acknowledge that everything is under God’s control. It’s not up to me to fix things.
We only see a small part of life, but God sees the whole picture. What we think might be the answer may not be the same as God’s, but His is always right.
When we make time to really get to know God and have a relationship with Him, we learn to see glimpses of light and hope unexpectedly at times. All those glimpses are like murmurs that remind us of His Presence and His love.
Murmurs of Peace in Nature
Going out in nature always reminds me of how great God is and how small I am. But in that, I am reminded that He is all powerful yet is full of love for His creation, especially His people. I took this photo of the sunrise the other day, and then used it as a photo prompt for a poem I wrote yesterday.
Murmurs of Peace
I watch the sun climb
as growing tendrils of light
shine vividly bright
I breathe in fresh air
as poetry covers earth
with murmurs of peace
~gsw~
What about you? Where do you find murmurs of peace throughout your days? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m linking up with: #InspireMeMonday
I love those words “murmurs of peace”. I find “murmurs of peace” while walking outside. We recently moved to a new home and are enjoying working in the yard. The hummingbird feeder is up and lots of hummingbirds are visiting. Beautiful times pausing and watching God’s creations.
Thank you, Melissa! Oh, yes, outdoors is such a good place. It really is a perfect place to pause and enjoy creation. I love hummingbirds, and I’m glad you’re settling into your new home. Blessings to you! xo
I find peace in Christ, Scripture, songs, nature… <3 Peace and love to you, Gayl! xo
Bette, it sounds like we have a lot in common. If we ever make it back up to Maine, maybe we can meet up sometime. Blessings, peace and love to you! xo
<3
Dear Gayl,
I love the way that you see murmurs of peace and glimpses of God’s presence throughout your day. And even looking back over your life stirs up that sense of His peacefulness too! You bring that same sense of peacefulness to me when you share an email or a note over the miles with me. It is truly a gift from HIS peacefulness that we can share in that. I pray that I will keep my eyes and ears and heart more open to see His murmurs of peace in my own days here too. Blessings, love, and hugs to you my dear poet/sister/friend. xoxo
Dear Bettie, thank you for your constant encouragement and your friendship and prayers. You are a dear sister. May God help each of us to be open to see His peace, love and hope through our days. Blessings, love and hugs to you my dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo
Gayl, I love the thought of poetry covering earth with “murmurs of peace” because of the imagery it evokes. We are God’s Poiema, His masterpiece work of art, and one He chooses to reveal Himself in and through, rather like creation itself. Your poem is a delightful expression of this. Like Bettie, I have experienced a beautiful peace emanating from you in the words you share. It’s especially marked here on the blog, starting with your serene, peaceful looking profile photograph. This is your sacred site to write in and to reach out to the world with grace and peace saturated offerings. Nature never fails to bring me joy and peace. My soul lights up outside, probably more than anywhere else, maybe because it’s a rare event in a largely housebound life! May we all seek to become more sensitive to those “murmurs of peace” which can reach us in myriad ways. Love and hugs to you, dear friend! xoxo ❤️
Joy, thank you so much for your encouraging comments. Thank you for reminding me that we are God’s poiema! It reminds me of a song by Michael Card – “Poiema” which you can find on youtube. I’m so glad you find peace here on my blog for that is one thing I hope to convey, and also to encourage people and point them to God. Nature inspires me like it does you, dear Joy. Thank you for being here, dear Joy. Blessings, love and hugs to you! xoxo
“Going out in nature always reminds me of how great God is and how small I am. But in that, I am reminded that He is all powerful yet is full of love for His creation, especially His people.” I so identify with this, Gayle. Thank you for these calming reflections on peace. I love the poem and can imagine myself taking a deep breath of fresh air “as poetry covers earth with murmurs of peace.” Love and blessings to you!
Thank you so much, Trudy, for your kind words. I’m glad the poem helped remind you to take “a deep breath of fresh air.” So many of us really seem to find such peace and inspiration when out in nature. I’m so glad you stopped by, Trudy. Blessings and love to you, sweet sister! xoxo
I like that phrase, murmurs of peace. I find them most of all in God’s Word as I read the Bible or as the Holy Spirit reminds me of what I’ve read. But seeing God’s hand in nature or hearing His concern through the love of a friend convey them as well.
Oh, yes, I find them most of all in God’s Word, too. It really is my lifeline, and I cling to the truth especially when things are hard. God’s peace truly is beyond all understanding. Blessings to you!
In anxious times, I remind myself of God’s steadfastness and that He’s in control. Nature also inspires peace in me – it reminds me of how big and awesome God is.
Yes, God is steadfast and faithful and in control! 🙂 I’m with you on nature. I’m so glad God is watching over us and is always with us. Blessings to you! Thank you so much for visiting and commenting.