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.
—Mark 4:39 (NKJV)
Welcome to my first blog post! I’ve been tweeting a lot about peace lately. It’s the subject of a new book I have coming out in October called Peace for Each Hour. In this constantly changing, uncertain world, who can’t use a little peace?
I was reminded of the world’s uncertainty when I awakened this morning to a beautiful sun shower. For almost an hour while I sipped my morning coffee, the rain fell steadily from the sky, while each drop glistened in the sunshine. It struck me as the perfect metaphor for what life can be like when I carry God’s peace. The rain can come and dampen my spirit, bringing chaos and strife. Like the thunder rumbling in the sky this morning, it can be noisy and unsettling. Jesus warned us that the rain would come. But then He told us to take heart, because He has overcome every storm we will ever encounter (John 16:33). His peace is with us, regardless of the circumstances. It’s a peace the world cannot give (John 14:27).
We don’t find real peace by chasing after it. It’s a byproduct of resting everyday in His presence (Hebrews 4:11). We let His Word penetrate our hearts. We talk to Him. He talks to us. Sometimes, we simply rest in the silence. I covet His peace, and I will push away anything that threatens to steal it. The storms can come, but I will not let doubt, fear, or worry settle into my heart and mind where His peace resides. I will not let the rain dampen my spirit. I will let the peace that comes directly from Christ rule in my heart (Colossians 3:15). I will let the Son shine through, regardless.
Proclaim these truths over yourself today:
- God is with me, regardless of my circumstances.
- I will not let my circumstances steal my peace.
- I will live from this place of peace; the storms can come, but the Son still shines.