A friend was showing me a photo that he took at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden—a large park in the middle of bustling Tokyo. It showed a brilliant blue sky with green trees framing it. When I complimented him on a beautiful shot, my friend looked amused, “Actually, you’re looking at it upside down. This is the reflection of the sky on the lake.”
I looked closer and saw that he was right. What I had thought was scenery was actually its reflection on the lake’s surface, almost like an optical illusion. I was amazed at how clearly the sky and surroundings were reflected in the still water. It made me think how wonderful it would be if my life could so perfectly reflect heaven’s peace and stillness.
God wants me to rest in the knowledge that He is in control and looking out for us. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”[Psalm 46:10] But when things go wrong, the winds of adversity can create turmoil in my spirit and cause me to feel buffeted. When I get this way, others only see the choppy waves of my ruffled spirit, not the still reflection of heaven.
I can’t avoid the storms of life, but they don’t need to rob me of the peace of God. I can hold on to the promise that these trials will never be more than I can bear; God will always provide a way out.[See 1 Corinthians 10:13.] He’s also ready, willing, and able to bring about something good from every situation, if my heart is right and I turn to Him for guidance and help.[See Romans 8:28; Psalm 46:1.] So when trouble hits, I have a choice. Will I project to others the vision of a storm-tossed sea? Or will they see the peace of heaven reflected in my attitude and actions?