Peace, Be Still!

“But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! Matthew 8:27.

A tempest can be defined as a violent windy storm. As we weather through another hurricane off the Gulf Coast. My mind draws me to the thoughts and apprehensions faced in the midst of the storm-from one vantage point, a storm poses danger and warrants fear, and from another, storms provide us a beautiful display that entertains and excites the senses. the state of our mind depends on the vantage point in which we choose to see the storm.

The storms of life or no different, but the secret is seeing God in the storm. “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2.

The disciples found themselves in the midst of a “tempest” or violent storm on the sea of Galilee. . . Fear and anxiety gripped their hearts as the waters began to cover the small ship, they thought the would surely perish- but the best part . . . in the midst of the this choatic situation, Jesus was on board…and they immediately ran to Him to be saved! “And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.” Matthew 8: 23-25.

My friends, whether the storm in your life is a cataclysmic occurrence of weather, physical illness, mental anguish, or spiritual distress- when facing immenient danger, like the disciples, we must run right into the presence, peace, and safety of Almighty God- the One who is able to calm the raging sea! “And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” Matthew 8:26-27.

The late James Cleveland sang these words in the beloved hymn “Peace, be Still” it starts with a cry of helplessness… “Master, the tempest is raging The billows are tossing high, The sky is o’er shadowed with blackness, No shelter or help is nigh… but the song readily provides insight to Who gives protection and peace in the midst of the storm! “Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea. Or demons or men or whatever it be, No water can swallow the ship where lies, The Master of ocean and earth and skies…They all shall sweetly obey my will! Peace be still.”

Today and always, let us rest in the assurance that the Master of all Heaven and Earth, has us safe in His everlasting arms!