Matthew 5:9 – God blesses those who work for peace. (NLT)

All summer, we watched tiny, exquisite, awe-inspiring hummingbirds feed from the tasty sugar water that my husband so generously supplied to them. They circled the feeder, suspended themselves in mid-air for a few seconds, and then dove straight to the tiny feeding troughs on each side. Their long beaks soaked up the juice. Swoop after swoop was made until they were full.

It was peaceful sitting at our kitchen table and observing God's beautiful handiwork in the form of miniscule hummingbirds.

Fall came, and the hummingbirds understood it was time to fill their tummies and head south for the winter.

Hummingbirds are very territorial, and the fight to maintain control of the feeder began. They zoomed back and forth, trying to get to the food. Peace turned to chaos as the aggressive birds literally struck one another. War was waged in pursuit of getting their time at the feeder. Gone was the serenity that viewing the hummingbirds gave us during the summer.

Do we know peace in our lives, or do we find our days filled with conflict?

Are we ever belligerent and contentious with those around us?

Peace comes as we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our lives, as we live in Him.

Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, in this world of noise, confusion, and relentless pressure, we long for Your peace. Help us to work hard at living in peace with others. Amen.

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