While the world around us seemingly is falling apart, we as Christians have a reason to be filled with joy and peace, a peace that others will soon notice

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is the fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

As we enter  a new week of uncertainty, wondering how the stock market is going to respond in the aftermath of Harvey, or what more this storm has in store for the people in Texas, those of us who know Jesus as  Savior are filled with the peace that is so lacking in the world we live in. Who wouldn't have joy if you knew that Jesus occupies the very core of your soul and speaks soft words of encouragement no matter what you're experiencing? One young lady trying to cross the flooded bayou with her dog was asked by the reporter why she was smiling in the face of this tragedy- her words were "it could have been worse'. I could only imagine that she might have had a strong faith in our Lord.

Throughout time with all of the unfolding tragedies that occur on an almost daily basis, God gives us a reason to sing.  Yet, for many of us, you wouldn't know that in a world where the mere glance at the horrific headline or look at the stock return sends us into a downward spiral and our bodily vital signs running dangerously in the red.

Yet, for many of us who read God's word daily, there are moments when we're sleeping that God will bring a soothing verse to your mind- a verse that gives you the assurance to help you sleep the rest of the night, a verse that enables you to awake refresh and full of zest that gets others around you wondering 'why are you so happy?' That peace God gives you is the peace that the rest of the world is looking for- a peace that is as close to them as asking Jesus into their heart.

Tragedies will always be among us. Weather related events such as Harvey will continue to come and go. But just as Psalm 23:4 reminds us 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me,' we too can walk confidently knowing that our Shepherd Jesus is at our side!