Gods Sabbath

S ome years ago, an international art competi tion was held in which a large prize was offered to the artist who, in the judges’ opinions, best de picted the word “peace.” A large number of beautifully executed pic tures were submitted. There were tranquil scenes from nature such as lovely lakes stretching into the distance, also babies sleeping peacefully in rose gardens, carefree children playing in the woods, and village people peacefully fellowship ping in a quiet street. But the judges awarded the prize to none of these. There was one painting different from all the rest. It depicted a wild storm pounding on rocks by the sea shore. The clouds were black and heavy, the sea was roaring, the rain was beating down, and the lightning was flashing across the sky. It took little imagination to hear thunder rolling, and waves crashing on the rocks. It was indeed no peaceful scene. But nesting on a rock with a young one peeping out from under her wing there was seen a little seagull, unruffled and undisturbed by the raging storm. To this picture the price was af forded because it showed very impressively that real peace is an experience which does not depend on outward circumstances. The picture on the cover is a contemporary art ist’s portrayal of the same idea. It is a fitting de scription of the Christian who rests in God’s care in a world filled with turmoil and strife. As those birds quietly rest though the waves threaten to en gulf the nest, so God’s true children rest in the as surance that nothing can befall them except that for which the Almighty has made full provision, provided they have fully committed their lives to His care. Notwithstanding outward circumstances they may encounter, they will enter into an experi ence of inward rest in the power of the Almighty which is fittingly described as His Sabbath rest.