We Are Safe; God Is Good
Gail Stoltzfoos of Hollister, MO, USA
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. -James 3:17-18
I recently had reason to pick up my life, pack my belongings, and move one thousand miles away from the place that had been my home for over thirty years. It was a rather frightening experience for a sixty-year-old woman. My only companion was my two-year-old Labrador, Peaches.
Having to find motels that would accept Peaches as a guest was a little challenging, and the rundown appearance of them was off putting. The staff was friendly enough, but I didn’t feel very safe in my room. The first night I developed the mantra, “We are safe. God is good.”
I stated these words over and over until I could fall asleep. I found myself repeating them as we drove in city traffic. They were constantly on my lips whenever I felt vulnerable: pumping gas, sitting alone in a restaurant, or playing with Peaches at a rest area. They became my reminder that I also had another traveling Companion who is the very promise of God. “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry…until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 NKJV).
The Holy Spirit’s presence as I drove the unwieldy moving van showed me the truth of the promise of the Comforter. I could feel that friendly Spirit beside me as I lay down to sleep in strange surroundings. I was able to discern the presence of my Counselor as I made decisions.
Having arrived safely at my destination, the Spirit’s job was not over. Through these last few months, I have relied upon the Holy Spirit for comfort, guidance, strength, and courage. It remains a difficult transition for me. But I can rely on the promise of God: my Friend.
Prayer Phrase
“Be vulnerable to divine grace” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 163:10b).
Spiritual Practice
This month, spend time each day noticing where divine grace is already pouring forth. Perhaps it is a simple awareness of creation’s systems and cycles that support our daily existence. The sun rises each day without being asked. There are underlying rhythms and relationships that hold the fabric of our lives together. Sometimes they fall into the background of our lives. We forget to see the natural generosity that spills over throughout our days-of the planet, the people we love, the Sacred Presence in all moments, the kindness of strangers we encounter, and the gifts we carry within. What is already being given in your life? What does it look like to be vulnerable to divine grace today?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
