Be Still

Be Still

Mark 4:39 - Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 

As darkness was setting in, Jesus and his disciples gathered into a boat and crossed the Sea of Galilee.  Over the course of the night a fierce storm whipped up dangerous waves.  Jesus was asleep through it all, but the disciples were awake, fighting the waves, and afraid the boat would sink.  The disciples woke Jesus up in a panic, and Jesus got up and spoke to the storm. 

Sometimes life feels like this.  We are getting knocked around by the storms that are inevitable in life – an illness, losing a loved one, going through a breakup, a career setback, or trapped in the anxiety of what could be.  The idea that Jesus just instantly speaks peace over the external situation, and it all works out, isn’t typically what I experience.  I usually have to ride the storm out.  However, my experience of how I go through that storm is all determined by my willingness to face the storm that is within me first.

 “Peace, be still” is Jesus’ call to our racing thoughts.  It’s his invitation to stillness.  In the quiet space within ourselves, we can remember God’s promises to us.  Promises like Isaiah 41:10, which says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.”  With our hearts anchored in God’s presence, we can find the ability to face the storm in the circumstances going on around us.  We can know that even when things are not okay, we will be okay.

If you are in need of peace today, I invite you to pray this prayer. 

 Lord, help me be still.  Grant me the inner peace that surpasses all understanding. Calm the storm within me and fill me with the assurance of your presence. Help me to cast my anxieties upon you and to trust in your perfect peace.