Peace, Be Still

“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. “And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”--Mark 4:37-40

In keeping with my recent themes of anxiety, comfort, and raging storms (amidst a rather beautiful snow shower tonight), I write tonight about Jesus's command to the violent winds -- "Peace, be still."

I think we are often like these storms, letting anger or fear stir us up into a self-absorbed whirlwind that only makes our situations worse. The answer is not found in indulging this torment or tension, but rather letting it go.

Be still. Listen. Accept the Peace that passes all understanding.

This is the kind of faith I need. This is how we ought to live - with complete trust in our Mighty Savior and God, who rules all we know with a wise and mighty hand. He is the One to whom the rocks shall cry out; He is the one by whom all stains are made the purest white; He is the one to whom the stormy seas surrender.