His Cross Our HopeSampel

I was once asked to describe myself as an animal. My answer was immediate. A duck. Calm, collected, smooth, and unruffled on the surface. Yet, fiercely paddling to stay floating in areas where people couldn't see. I wanted so badly to exude a composed, serene persona that I found myself desperate to do anything to keep afloat. Not a restful way to live. There is a name for this: Duck Syndrome. Thankfully, I don’t have to spend my days struggling against the turbulent waters. I can rest in the peace that comes from knowing Jesus. Through all my franticness, God was, is, and always will be with me. Whether I am in a state of quietness or uproar, nothing will ever alienate me from my loving Heavenly Father. This promise of peace found in Jesus is the heart of Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (NIV). Jesus came in peace, as ancient kings often rode on donkeys during times of peace or to convey they came in peace. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus reconciled man to God. Both Matthew and Zechariah call on us, the daughters and sons of God, to rejoice in the freedom brought by the coming Redeemer, the promised Messiah. The Prince of Peace. The One who brings true, internal wholeness that doesn’t depend on our external situation. He’s a caring and loving Father who sings over us (Zephaniah 3:17). He sees everything about you and me and loves us where we are. Our Father in Heaven reminds us that He will keep us in perfect peace when our minds remain on Him because we trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). We belong to the King and this should bring tranquility to any situation we face. Ask Jesus to show you how to rest in the fact that, like the duck, you were made to stay afloat! ~Kelly Campbell Writer and Wholly Loved Ministries board member