Photo and Commentary ©2025 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
A few days ago, I was watering our garden when I glanced up at the sky and saw this scene. It looks like it’s straight out of a Bob Ross-style impressionist painting — beautiful blue skies with puffy clouds, covering the entire grey scale. As I captured the image and then stood admiring the “live” painting, it reminded me of a dreamscape. It was peaceful and tranquil.
Life isn’t always peaceful and tranquil. In fact, sometimes, life can be pretty chaotic. Chaos can make us feel anxious and worried. Unfortunately, it’s the side effects of living on a sinful planet. The good news is, there is a cure. A cure for that chaotic feeling? Yes. You can read about this remedy in Philippians 4:6-7. Clearly, the words are typed out below, but I would encourage you to grab your printed Bible (yes, the one you turn physical pages in) if you can and read from the printed pages. If not, read below –
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I know, from experience, it’s not always the easiest thing to do – “Don’t be anxious.” Great concept, sometimes extremely difficult to put into practice. Well, as the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” So, keep practicing. As the verse states – in every situation. Not some, not a few times, but “every situation.” We bring our concerns to God, in prayer – with thanksgiving. What do we get in return? We get the peace of God — guarding our hearts and minds. Is there anything better? I would argue, no.
Just imagine your mind and heart — peaceful, tranquil, like a dreamscape with white and grey puffy clouds floating by, with a backdrop of beautiful blue skies. Sound good? Yes, it sounds like Heaven.