Peace, Be Still

“And He awoke 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

On days when life feels stormy, what is the anchor you hold to? Mark 4 recounts some of Jesus’ most well known parables used to impart the significance of faith in the life of a believer. I don’t believe it is a coincidence that the chapter begins with The Parable of the Sower and ends with Jesus Calming the Storm. The Lord knew the struggles each of us would face, and He knew that if we are not careful, the worries of this life can choke us and leave us without hope. In the parable, Jesus describes that as the seed that falls among thorns. He also speaks of the seed that falls on rocky ground, those who receive God’s Word with joy, yet because they lack deep roots, they fall away when troubles come. But the seed planted in good soil takes root, grows, and produces a harvest. It is a picture of a faith that matures, one that can endure the storms of life. Not long after teaching this parable, Jesus and His disciples found themselves in the middle of a violent storm. The harsh winds blew and the waves crashed against the boat, the disciples overwhelmed with fear called out to Jesus who was asleep. As Mark 4:39 tells us, “He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Then Jesus asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). That is a question we must ask ourselves today when storms arise in our lives. Fear and anxiety can quickly consume us, but we must holdfast to the Truth. The same Jesus who was present with His disciples is present with us. His presence is enough to calm raging seas and quiet storms, how much more can he calm the storms within our hearts and minds? He is a relational God who cares deeply about his children. So call to Him today. Ask for peace, ask Him to awake within you an unshakable faith, trusting in His will and believing the words of Psalm 16:8, “I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.