Today’s reading is from John 16:5-33.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

As I write this, it’s one of those perfect early spring mornings. The air is still and crisp. The birds are chirping and the sun is generously extending its warm rays.

(I took the picture above on my walk after writing this – how perfect is that sun?! It felt like it was reaching down to me)

I feel particularly blessed to be in a spot where I can sit on a porch with my coffee, looking at the water and taking in all of nature before me.

I don’t know if it’s because I grew up near the ocean and spent my summers on one of those iconic Maine islands, but there is something so calming to me about being near the ocean.

Perhaps it’s the constant motion of the sea that soothes me. Even in its stillness, you can feel the energy of life emanating from within.

Being near the water today, breathing in the brisk, clean air, reminds me in a deep and organic way of the refreshing peace that Jesus offers to us.

He has defeated the world and all evil within it that tries so desperately to reign. And yet despite its efforts to thwart us, hold us back or push us down, Jesus rises within us, victorious.

The majesty of the ocean before me is His. The splendor of the budding green grass and the glorious singing of the birds belong to Him.

And so in the presence of these things, my anxious soul is calmed today.

You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength,
who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations.
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy.
Psalm 65:5-8