Take a quiet moment to read this beautiful and thoughtful short passage from a James Allen essay called “The Realization of Perfect Peace” and let its meaning sink in:

In the external universe there is ceaseless turmoil, change, and unrest; at the heart of all things there is undisturbed repose; in this deep silence dwelleth the Eternal.

Man partakes of this duality, and both the surface change and disquietude, and the deep-seated eternal abode of Peace, are contained within him.

As there are silent depths in the ocean which the fiercest storm cannot reach, so there are silent, holy depths in the heart of man which the storms of sin and sorrow can never disturb. To reach this silence and to live consciously in it is peace.

Imagine being in the deepest parts of the ocean. The creatures there are swimming lazily about as if nothing is awry. Far above them, a hurricane churns the waters. The winds and waves lash any boat in their way. Our cities, and our lives, are often like those hurricanes whipping our emotions into a frenzy. Mr. Allen describes our current state of affairs: “ceaseless turmoil, change, and unrest.” Wow, in my city, the ceaseless turmoil just seems to increase exponentially each year. Cars zooming and running red lights, sirens screeching, people impatient and angry. Of course some people try hard to do and be the opposite, but it’s not easy in this loud and wild atmosphere.

But God has a way to help us find that state of quiet peace.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

This is not an easy task when we are living in ceaseless turmoil, but we can make a start. A little each day builds up into so much more. God is so loving and kind. He can add to our efforts and give us little hints when we slip into panic or turmoil. When turmoil builds up in our emotions, we can remind ourselves of that hurricane up on the surface, and yet the quiet peacefulness of the deep sea.

Keep your mind stayed on God. Watch the things that you think about. When those thoughts turn dark and negative, turn them around. Think of something positive. How would Jesus feel about that?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Can you think of anything that is true? Have you had an experience with someone who was honest with you? Any lovely things in your life? Any situation that ended justly? These are all positive things. God is a very positive being. When we think on positive things, we are thinking on God our Father. We can talk to Him and confide in Him. He has thoughts and plans for us, and they are eternally good.

P.S. I wrote this draft a few weeks ago, and the weeks since then have been like a total manifestation of the turbulent hurricane on the surface of the ocean. I can’t say that I experienced anything that resembled the quiet depths of the ocean while all of that was going on even though I started out right each day, reading and reflecting on the Scriptures before the chaos of the day. Now, when I reread the words of James Allen today, I am inspired again to tap into that perfect peace, keeping my mind on God and on His Scriptures. I hope it inspires you as well. Maybe if we all keep trying day by day, it will come to pass. Jesus did it, and he asks us to be like him.

Copyright 2026, Ephesians 413, All rights reserved

Since my husband’s passing, I have been looking through his bookshelves, partly to see what should be donated, and partly to organize his quite large library.  He was a huge reader (but not such a great organizer).  He had an amazing collection of Bibles and related books.  He also loved to read biographies, mostly of inspirational men.  He read biographies of our great presidents (Washington, Adams, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR), some of them 500 or more pages long, and some he read more than once.  I’m not sure I could stick with a book that long, but he seemed to devour them.  As I was searching for something else, I came across a book called Leaves of Gold.  It’s an anthology of inspirational writings and poetry.  The inscription indicates that he had given it to his beloved Scottish grandmother in 1970.  It must have been returned to him after she passed, but he never mentioned it to me.  I picked it up the other day and have since been delightfully inspired by its beautiful essays, sayings, and poetry.  Here is one poem that I would like to share with you.

Quietness

By Madeleine Kathryn Doran

“Be still and know that I am God,”

That I who made and gave thee life

Will lead thy faltering steps aright;

That I who see each sparrow’s fall

Will hear and heed thy earnest call,

I am God.

“Be still and know that I am God,”

When aching burdens crush thy heart,

Then know I formed thee for thy part

And purpose in the plan I hold.

Thou art the clay that I would mold.

Trust in God.

“Be still and know that I am God,”

Who made the atom’s tiny span

And set it moving to my plan,

That I who guide the stars above

Will guide and keep them in My Love.

Be thou still.

To me, it expresses with such beautiful and exquisite feeling that since God created our universe with complete preciseness from its largest aspects down to the tiniest particles of an atom, He is certainly capable of leading us and caring for us. Again, for me, it does instill such a feeling of peace and quietness. In this world that seems to be spinning out of control, it is easy to give in to modern-day angst, but God is well able. We can let go of our frets and worries. “Be still and know that I am God.”

Copyright 2026, Ephesians413, All rights reserved

God sometimes brings a chuckle into our lives just when we need to lighten up.  Life is sometimes a struggle these days since my husband is now on hospice.  However, he can still get out a bit and he likes to take a drive sometimes for a change of scenery.  Yesterday, after an appointment, he wanted to go for a drive.  It was the last thing I wanted to do, but we drove to a nearby river where we used to ride our bikes on a bike path.  It was just a short and easy walk down to the river from the parking lot.  When we got down closer to the river, I noticed a little dog playing with something on the edge of the river.  I couldn’t make it out, but it looked kind of like a rock, but how could it be.  Was it a piece of rubber? Or plastic?  The next time I looked, he was swimming in the river.  As I watched, he suddenly disappeared.  Where did he go?  Was he drowning?  Within a short time, he resurfaced carrying something in his mouth.  It was his “toy.”  The object was about five inches long and seemed kind of smooth, but irregularly shaped.  I couldn’t figure out what kind of dog toy it could be.  Hmmm.  We stood there a while longer looking at the beautiful river and enjoying the peaceful moment.  Then I noticed the dog swimming again, and again he disappeared and resurfaced with his treasure.  It did look like a rock.  I HAD to ask his owner about his dog, the toy, and his unique ability. 

“I’ve never seen a dog dive like that before.”

“He’s had that rock (it really was a real rock!) for six years.  It’s his favorite toy.  He plays with it all the time.  I have a friend who has a pool and he likes to throw the rock into the deep end just to see the dog dive down to get it.”

“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

“The funny thing is that after it rains, he won’t go outside because he doesn’t like to get his feet wet.”

😍❤️😍

Quite a unique talent for a dog and a funny story to tell after a rough day.

But was there something more to the story?  God speaks to us in parables to help us understand bigger ideas.  A few ideas came to mind.  There is a Scripture that says, “That rock was Christ.”  And of course we all know the parable that Jesus told about the pearl of great price.  Water corresponds to the Spirit.  It’s really a simple picture story about the way we have to dive into the deep of the Spirit to find Christ, the pearl of great price.  

To me, just like the dog never tired of diving and retrieving, for us it’s not a one time dive and then we have it.  As life goes on its way, we dive in daily.  It was the little dog’s delight to dive in over and over to retrieve his rock, his treasure above all treasures.  

Maybe with this picture, God is saying in a kind and light hearted way that although life’s circumstances are sometimes really hard, He is leading us into a deep dive into the Spirit. There is nothing negative in Him, so even life’s most difficult trials will somehow bring about a good.  So, these times are the dives into the deep end that will bring us both higher and deeper into our walk with Him.  That is so easy to say, but difficult to live out.  At any rate, it reminds me of a song that goes “Deeper, deeper, in the love of Jesus.”

Jesus. Truly the pearl of great price. Such a treasure that is so worth the trouble to get.

… Tribulation works patience; and patience, experience, and experience, hope: and hope does not make ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 5:3 – 5

Copyright 2025, Ephesians413, All rights reserved