The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quiet and trust forever. Isaiah 32:17
 
If you know that Jesus Christ is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who does right has been born of him. 1 John 2:29
 
As we live through another season of change, we are reminded that God wants our lives to be filled with peace, quiet, and trust. There can be little to compare in beauty with the autumn colors that fill our days this time of year. We know that only God can create such a panorama of color to delight our eyes and add pleasure and glow to our days. 
 
Such beauty helps us to know that God wants us to turn our anxiousness and fears over to him. He wants to carry our burdens and give each of us peace that passes all understanding. God also knows that some burdens we carry are heavy. He knows, because our burdens are his burdens. Despite the trials brought on by difficulties, some of which are unimaginable, God is there to give us peace, rest, and comfort. May we be clothed in his righteousness.
 
O God of love, O King of peace, make wars throughout the world to cease; our greed and sinful wrath restrain.
Remember, Lord, your works of old, the wonders that our elders told; remember not our sins' deep stain.
Whom shall we trust but you, O Lord? Where rest but on your faithful word? None ever called on you in vain.
Where saints and angels dwell above all hearts are knit in holy love; oh, bind us in that heavenly chain. Give peace, O God, give peace again.* Amen.
 
* Hymn text by Henry W. Baker, 1821-1877, "O God of Love, O King of Peace," Evangelical Lutheran Worship, #749.      
 
Florence Smallfield
Ministries
Teaching Mission Party