Lately, our long Montana days have turned beastly hot—so hot that it stirred up memories of my father’s Arkansas roots. Back then, the best pastime for old men was sitting on the porch with an old guitar, singing those sweet Southern Gospel blues.
These sweltering afternoons have me shifting sweat-making tasks to the early morning hours. And in those cool beginnings, songs like “Summertime (when the livin’ is easy)” hum through my thoughts. It was on a morning like that when I awoke to the sound of a wounded animal crying.
As I began my first hour with God, the usual quiet was pierced by a sharp, almost screeching cry echoing through the forest. Finally, I opened the front door—and gasped. It seemed the sound was coming from the roof gutter. Even my two kitties were on high alert, their ears twitching with unease.
Have you ever had your peaceful morning interrupted?
In John 14:27, Jesus reminds us that His peace is a gift—not like the fragile peace the world offers, but one that steadies us so we don’t have to be troubled or afraid: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
That verse is my anchor every morning. So, though I didn’t know how to solve the mystery cry, I pressed on with my day—unlike my kitties, who wouldn’t even come downstairs as the sound grew louder. (They can’t read the Bible!)
Then I remembered another promise in Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
Scripture is brimming with assurances of peace if we’ll keep our focus on Him. God longs to bless, protect, show favor, and grant peace to all who will receive it.
Today’s song based on Psalm 1 reminds us of that truth in good ol’ gospel style: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the dark. Don’t sit with the wicked, don’t stand where they bark. But delights in the Word both day and night—The Lord knows the road the righteous take.”
As for that “hurt animal”? It turned out to be nothing more than my water fountain pump screeching after I’d drained it to paint the deck. No danger. Just a dry pump crying for water. God knew all along. And in the midst of the noise, He whispered peace—just as He promised.
Life will always have interruptions, some loud enough to rattle our calm. But no matter what screeches in the background of your day, the Lord knows the road you take—and His peace is stronger than any noise.
(Disclaimer: The first 3 minutes of this recording is the song mentioned. I was unable to find it apart from its 34 minutes of gospel blues. Enjoy 3 or 34 - your choice!)
