PERFECT PEACE
When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39 (NLT)
I know an old preacher story about a pilot flying through a severe storm. The plane shook, passengers were terrified, and chaos ensued. Amid the turmoil, one young boy sat calmly, playing with his toy. When asked why he wasn't afraid, he simply replied, My dad's the pilot. He'll get us home safely.
This story beautifully illustrates the kind of peace Jesus brought to His disciples in the storm. As they battled the fierce winds and waves, panic set in. But when they woke Jesus, He spoke three simple words: Silence! Be still! Immediately, the storm ceased, and calm returned.
Jesus' intercession in that moment didn't just calm the storm; it calmed the hearts of His disciples. It reminded them that no matter how turbulent the circumstances, He was in control. So, do you understand and believe in the depths of your soul that He is in control no matter what comes?
We all face storms in life—unexpected challenges, fears and anxieties that threaten to overwhelm us. Like the disciples, we can feel helpless and afraid. But Jesus is with us, and His presence brings peace that surpasses understanding. But we must not FORGET that He is with us, and He is omnipotent. I've found that so often, the storms and chaos in my life are a direct result of me trying to handle things on my own. Instead of a last resort, may we run to our Father first, firm in our faith that He will sustain us.
APPLICATION: When life's storms rage, take a moment to turn to Jesus in prayer. Speak His words over your situation: Silence! Be still! Trust that He is with you and has the power to bring peace during chaos. Share this peace with others by being a calm presence in their storms, pointing them to the One who calms all fears.
PRAYER: Help me to trust You in the midst of storms, Lord. Grant that Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, may rule and reign in my heart and mind. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?