If the Lord draws us away with "cords of a man, and bands of love’ into a wilderness of affliction, loss, ruined hope, and bitter disappointments, let us realize that this is God’s mercy and wisdom to us to keep us in the "ark" – in the "Rock" – while the waters of affliction are upon the earth (Gen. 8:9-12). When the land was dry, the dove flew away and never returned to her house of safety.

The Lord has placed us in the cleft of the rock to keep us safe and protect us from all evil (S.O.S. 2:14). He is that Rock which was opened for us by the lash, the thorns, the nails, and the spear, so that we might hide ourselves in Him from all our enemies, and from the wrath of God (I Cor. 10:4). This is where we shall learn much about His comfort (Hos. 2:14). 

Doves seek a place to hide from the heat of the day and this is where they hide for protection. They make their nests there (Jer. 48:28). It is their home.

The Lord Jesus Christ has given us His peace, not the peace of the world. The peace of the world is founded on circumstances and external things. Our peace, as well as His peace, is and was, as He lived as a man, founded on His God and His word. 

The Lord Jesus Christ is our peace (Jn. 16:33, Eph. 2:14-15). It is a peace of mind and heart. If we trust in Him and keep our mind on Him – who He is, what He has done, and promises to do for us – we shall have perfect peace (Isa. 26:3).

The life and soul of all our comfort and peace is found in the promises of Christ. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to bring these powerfully to our minds, making them effectual so that our comfort and peace is not in our circumstances, but in Christ.

Our unbelief flares up when it looks like nothing is happening to change the situation, and we begin then to lose faith in His word, and in Him. We must remember that the Holy Spirit, as God, works voluntarily and freely according to His own will (I Cor. 12:ll). If we believe His word, we shall have His peace in the worst of times. "And therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted , that He may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him" (Isa. 30:18).

May we come to a state where we can really "count it all joy" when we fall into these trials and temptations (Jas. 1:2). May we begin today, to sing with joy, singing His song, even in the storm. He is with us and says, "Peace be still" (Mk. 4:39).