Peace Be Still
BY REV. GLORIA WILLOUGHBY
Jesus… rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” Then the wind ceased and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is that you have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
(Mark 4:39-41).
AN UNPRECEDENTED STORM
The fierce COVID-19 storm, that is blowing across the globe has unsettled nations, spread panic, and economic disarray, and caused untold grief, and suffering for millions. Locked in mandated isolation, humanity is being tossed about by the next startling statistics on media
news feeds. It’s hard to not be swept overboard emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. In this shared anxiety, is there a way to find an internal place of peace and stillness? A shelter and harbour of calm?
AN INDISPUTABLE SAVIOUR
Jesus’ disciples were in the midst of a huge storm over which they had no control. At the height of the raging storm, they panicked and cried out, “Don’t you care if we drown?” With divine authority, Jesus spoke to the elements, “Peace! Quiet! Be Still…” and there was a great calm! They were in “awe” because the winds and waves obeyed Christ’s authoritative voice.
There is a supernatural calm that Christ brings into life’s circumstances, for He is the Creator and Lord of the universe. There is an eternal forgiveness that He gives, for He is the Saviour of the world, the Lamb of God who laid down His life, and paid the price for our sins. There is an incomparable peace which He offers to all, “My peace I leave with you… not as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).
Recently, a woman whose life had been full of great trauma, called Crossroads Prayer Lines (1-866-273-4444). She was deeply distressed, and feeling isolated, but after praying to invite Jesus into her life she found a new joy and hope. When talking about our Prayer Partners, Pastors, and the Walk of Faith email mentoring program, she enthusiastically said “It has been life-changing!”
AN UNCONDITIONAL INVITATION
Jesus invites us to come to Him, for He alone has the divine authority to speak to the winds and waves of our lives, and bring peace and rest. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus gives this welcome invitation, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Like the caller to the Prayer Line, have you prayed and invited Jesus into your heart? He is the only one who can offer an internal harbour of calm in this unprecedented pandemic, and a shelter from all of life’s storms.
Jesus will quell every anxious thought and worry because He is the true Prince of Peace, and indisputable Saviour and Lord over every aspect of our lives.