First Baptist Church of Beltsville

Finding Peace with God on the Hilltop of Beltsville

Breathing Room

Our family has been taking monthly trips to New York to support Selah as she attends workshops with the Actors, Models, and Talents for Christ organization. We make the round trip in one day, leaving at 6 AM and returning around 11 PM: Overall a long but fruitful day. Our most recent trip was to the borough of Queens in Jackson Heights.

The impression that I had of Queens was strong and immediate. It was so full of people! One apartment building stacked against the next, with the occasional single-family house boasting a lawn of perhaps 50 square feet. The sheer mass of humanity was almost overwhelming. The population density in Queens is 20,409 persons per square mile, compared to Beltsville's 885 persons per square mile! By the end of the day I was eager to get home where I had some breathing room.

I am reminded of the massive press of people surrounding Jesus during His earthly ministry. A good example of this is when a sick woman touched the hem of Christs garment, a story that can be found in Luke 8. When the Lord asked who had touched Him, His disciples were incredulous saying, "Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?' " But, I am also amazed that Jesus took the time to stop and interact with people in their deep need, even though He was hard pressed by the needs of others almost constantly.

Wherever you find yourself this month, whether in a congested urban setting, a spacious suburban neighborhood, or on wide-open verdant hillsides, know that your Savior has time for you. Do you need a healing touch like the needy woman in Luke 8? Or, maybe the calming presence of Jesus in the midst of a storm? Before ascending to Heaven, Jesus assured us with these words: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27 NKJV). Breathe in the peace of Christ!