Reflections

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. —2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV

Sometimes, early in the morning, I sit and watch the river sleep. The trees hover over the still water and stare at their own reflections. When the air is motionless and the water tranquil, the reflected image is perfect and realistic. Then, boats glide by, and ripples smudge their likeness into smokey, green clouds. Later, a breeze caresses the surface as the ocean tide pulls the river back to itself. Like an eraser on a chalkboard, the image is smeared, leaving the surface muddy, yet sparkling in the sun. The reflection is fragile—easily tarnished by outside movement.

Likewise, my quiet time in the morning is still and peaceful. For a little while, my heart is tranquil, and I reflect Christ as I bask in the light of His glory. It is beautiful and rejuvenating. Then, I close my Bible and walk (in the Spirit) to the kitchen. The wind picks up as I do the dishes and go over the day’s to-do list. Sometimes, like a tiny boat, an ant glides across the counter and the wind of irritation blows. Other times it may be a phone call, an interruption, an angry driver, or bad news that stirs, causing the ripples to muddy the waters of my heart. Unless I purpose to remain in Him, I can easily be carried away (and often am) by the strong current of random “boat traffic” life brings, allowing it to steal the peace and joy God gave me for the day.

Since we can be so easily unmoored, I believe God has given us a way to anchor ourselves to Him so that we can be unmoved by outside influences. It’s called abiding. Because Jesus is the “radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature,” (from Hebrews 1:3 ESV), and because “we all are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another by the power of His Spirit,” (from 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV), we also have the same power to absorb the ripples without our peace becoming blurred. Is it easy? No! In fact, I struggle every day, doing the things I don’t want to do, just like Paul. But we do have a way. If that were not true then Peter would never have walked on water; David would never have slain Goliath; Daniel would never have influenced kings or survived a den of lions. God makes a way by faith through His Spirit for us to miraculously reflect the love, power, and glory of Christ even when the boat traffic is heavy and the storm clouds are rolling into view.

Why do I keep allowing His image to be blurred? Am I destined to be so affected by other people, bad weather, to-do’s, accidents, and unexpected events that I’m unable to walk in the Spirit, even if I want to? No. But Jesus knows my weaknesses, and He knows yours too. That’s why Jesus said, “Remain in Me.” (from John 15:4 NIV). Essentially, Jesus was saying, “Stay with Me!” He never intended for us to be on our best behavior without Him. The boat traffic will come, and the wind will blow, but beneath the current, all can remain peaceful. He said, “Be still and know that I am God” (from Psalm 46:10 NIV), because, if we are anchored to Jesus, our peace will be unmoved. The water will rush past us without erosion.

The winds of illness, bills, trials, conflict, or busyness will blow. Jesus gives us inner peace and stillness. He gives us a way to harness the wind and sail instead of sink. He gives us a way to capture the power of the gentle breezes—or the stormy gales—and usher us to His feet on bended knee. He gives us a way to reflect His majesty, holiness, and love.

Father, keep me anchored to You! When I feel the gentlest of breeze, remind me to hold fast and not let go. Thank You for Your love and understanding even when I struggle.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

 Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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