The Power of Peace

You know the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35–41. Jesus and the disciples were exhausted from a long day of ministry, and they decided to get away from the crowd by boating to the other side of the lake.

Everything was smooth sailing … until a storm kicked up. As the rain pounded, water poured over the sides, and wind rendered the sails useless, Jesus snoozed on. The frightened disciples competent sailors, no less—shook Jesus awake and demanded to know why He didn’t care that they were going to die.

Three little words from Jesus instantly calmed not only the weather, but also the storm in the disciples’ hearts: “Peace, be still!” (v. 39).

Sometimes we’re so busy shaking Jesus awake during our life storms that we miss that He is right here with us in the storm. The fact that the storm is still raging does not negate the fact that Jesus is in control! We were never promised a smooth-sailing life (John 16:33), but we are promised the peace and the presence of Jesus.

Keeping our minds focused on our Savior is the secret to peace, as Isaiah 26:3 promises: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (ESV).

We often think doing is the path to peace—I’ll rest after the kids are in bed … or the work project is done … or the church volunteering is over. But God calls us simply to be. Notice that the psalmist used the same words that Jesus did: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

So we rest physically and maybe cancel a few minor things from our calendars … but then we fidget on the couch with a book in one hand, phone in the other, and the TV blaring in the background. That’s not true resting any more than running a 10K is resting! We need to put down our phones, turn off the TV, and ask God to still our minds long enough for Him to implant His truths in us.

When Jesus invited us to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28–30), He wasn’t talking about to-do lists or kids’ sports schedules or work deadlines. No, He was talking about our souls.

Let’s look at a few ways we can dial back the noise in our souls, so we can hear Jesus speaking peace. Pray first. Ask specifically to feel peace. Read the Psalms. David had many hard times, and he found comfort by turning to God. Turn on some praise and worship music. Let the goodness of God fill your ears and your mind.

Yes, Jesus is in the boat right there beside us, and He wants us to experience His peace and His calmness. He wants us to know who He really is and what kind of power He has—power to both calm the weather and calm the soul.

Week One

“In me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 ESV).

Week Two

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 ESV).

Week Three

“God’s a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you’re never sorry you knocked” (Psalm 9:9-10 MSG).

Week Four

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything … let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God … will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV).