Thought for the week from the Rev David Jones (we 22nd January 2012)

We are in Torquay for a short break in a lovely apartment overlooking the sea. As I write the view is breathtaking and the view over Torbay to Brixham is something to be seen.

There’s no shipping at the moment and two rocky islands in the bay are being gently battered by the foam. All in all it’s a lovely view and no surprise that this part of the coast if fondly called the English Riviera!

This reminded me of a picture I once saw. If the artist’s intention was of giving the impression of a dark and frightening night he certainly succeeded. The focus of the painting was small rocky island with a fierce storm raging.

Forks of lightning in a starless sky, high waves and torrential rain being whirled around the island with the wind at its height. That’s why the title under the painting took me aback, it simply said ‘Peace’.  

A closer look, however, gave the answer – in a small crevice at the heart of the rock was a small white dove, sleeping with its head under its wing – safe and secure in the raging storm confident that she was in the protection of a place the storm could not reach.

The assurance that God give us is that he is with us in the storm and well as the sunshine. That’s The Bible tells us that God is our rock, fortress and a sovereign protector. Whatever life brings us he is indeed our refuge and strength the one who keeps us safe and secure in his love now and forever.

Rev. David Jones

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