The Results Of Righteousness

I found a great verse recently:: “…the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever… [as we abide]…in a peaceful  habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.  (Isaiah 32:17-18).  Wow: sounds good to me!  I mean I long for peaceful habitation, I long for a secure dwelling, I long for a quiet resting place. 

Growing up we had lots of ducks in City Park in Hagerstown.  Now in many respects the ducks were delightful – but they were also annoying -- as they waddled everywhere – waddle, waddle, waddle – especially all over the road!  Not surprisingly all the waddling created a traffic hazard, as the ducks marched frequently directly across the road.  Well at that, drivers around City Park become really annoyed, honking at the ducks, to scare the ducks, attempting to run them off the road. 
          

But one day, a fascinating thing happened:  a woman walking in the park saw the ducks march across the road; and did a startling thing:  she stepped into the road, and began to block traffic!  I mean the woman just stretched out her arms and stopped the honking, scary, threatening traffic, creating a safe space for the ducks to cross.  Well at first folks where ticked, but soon amazed – as they sensed the rightness of what this woman did.   

Our God is like that woman in City Park.  If we’re attentive, God walks into the traffic of our lives and -- overtime -- blocks, overcomes -- the honking, scary, threatening things that try to run us down.  Oh, at first we’re ticked too; I mean I don’t need any help, thank you!!  But eventually we’re amazed as we realize the rightness – the righteousness of our God!

Allow God to walk into the traffic of your life!  Allow God to create a space, a place, a peace – in the midst of the honking of your day.   Acknowledge His rightness -- His righteousness – and rest.