These first two pictures are of my recliner in its own little corner of my office and the view from that chair. It is my most frequent place away from what awaits my attention in the world. In this bubbled quiet spot, I talk to Jesus, asking Him questions, many times pleading with Him, reading His Words and listening for His sweet replies to my questions with peace.
Adding to my place of meditation is the art on the wall to the left of the window which includes,
“Write Your Worries in Sand, Carve Your Blessings in Stone” and
“Make time for quiet moments as God whispers and the world is loud.”
It is here I am cocooned in His perfect oasis of comfort while I look at the outside view of the calm in His creation.
The second photos below reflect the epiphany I had in a Zoom meeting with my online Bible class last week. Seeing their camera view of me, I noticed all the mess behind me. I realized they couldn’t see what I was viewing outside, and I was slightly embarrassed they saw the mess and clutter in my multi workspace – sewing, bills, writing, art supplies, etc. Tasks undone… a stark contrast to my cocooning view of my life.
My desk is the other messy spot in my office. The photos above my desk are a word picture for His presence in the cluttered spaces in my life. Here Jesus reaches into the stress of life when I feel like I am drowning. The words “Amazing Grace” and “Perfect Love Casts out Fear” framing the vision of Him rescuing me from the storms of life are sweet. They remind me He is still there in the mess of life outside my oasis place.
Cocooning with God is my oasis where I can escape the messes in my life to recharge and face life with confidence and peace that can only come from a deep personal relationship with Jesus.
I pray this peace over all of you, whom He loves so dearly.
I’d love to hear about your oasis of peace in your life…
Lord, You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
CARLA BARKLEY WOOD 