Peace! Be still!
When I was a little girl, we used to sing this song in Sunday School:
With Christ in my vessel, I can smile at the storm
Smile at the storm
Smile at the storm
With Christ in my vessel, I can smile at the storm
Until He takes me home
We used to sing it faster and faster, leaving out different words and doing actions enthusiastically, trying to catch each other out making mistakes. At the time, I had no concept of what living through a storm was really like, or how difficult it would be to keep smiling.
This song is based on the story of the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee and finding themselves in the middle of a frightening storm (you can read it in Mark 4:35–41.) Jesus, exhausted from ministry, was asleep in the boat, his head on a pillow. Eventually, believing their lives to be in danger, the disciples woke Jesus and cried out “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
Taking in the situation, Jesus spoke simple words, “Peace! Be still!" The wind and waves stopped instantly; the danger disappeared; it was completely calm. Jesus demonstrated his authority over the forces of nature, and the disciples were amazed at his power.
This is where the story gets interesting for me. You see, I imagine Jesus should have said something like, “Wow, that was close. Thanks for waking me up in time, guys. We all could have died!”
But, no. Jesus’ reaction to the disciples' behaviour in the storm went like this (v 40) “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Jesus, that’s harsh! I mean, seriously, you were about to die. The danger was real. The storm was not imagined. Couldn’t Jesus have shown some empathy, understanding the fear of his friends staring death in the face? No. Jesus questioned the validity of their fear, and He challenged their lack of faith. With Jesus in the boat, drowning was never going to be the outcome.
We find ourselves in the middle of a mighty storm. The wind and waves of a global pandemic threaten us at every side, our freedom, our economies, our healthcare systems—our very lives are under threat. The danger is real. But I believe, as harsh as it sounds, God is calling us to have faith greater than our fear, to turn our focus away from the size of the waves to the power of the One who can still the storm.
Peace! Be still!
Take a deep breath; say it with me, "Peace! Be still!" Wind and waves threatening on every side? "Peace! Be still!" Fear, anxiety, worry? "Peace! Be still!" Is your home full of chaos and stress? "Peace! Be still!"
I don’t want to minimise anyone’s pain. The storm is real, and the death toll around the world is devastating. Seeing pictures of row upon row of coffins in makeshift morgues is heartbreaking. As the unemployment applications pile up around the world, the economic stress that families face is overwhelming. No family is untouched by this crisis. However, we can have faith in the One who is present with us in the boat and has the power to still our storm.
How can we smile at the storm?
Look to Jesus
When we focus on the waves, we will always feel afraid. When we focus on Jesus, we can know peace, a peace that passes understanding. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He has the power to still storms.
2. Open God’s Word
Read your Bible every day and meditate on the words of comfort and peace you find there. I’m writing out Philippians and reading Psalms right now. Every day I find truths that fill my heart with faith.
3. Count your blessings
Gratitude is a powerful tool to improve our wellbeing during difficult times. Make it an intentional practice to name things you are grateful for every day.
4. Look for opportunities
There are unique opportunities in this season. Write a poem, sing a song, play with your children, read a big book, learn to play the guitar, paint a picture, cook a curry from scratch, dance, write a letter, listen to a podcast, sort out your photos. The list is endless. Be intentional about using the time you have wisely. Create a reason to get out of bed every morning. Find joy in every day.
5. Help someone
We can share the hope and comfort of God to a community that is afraid and needs help. Comfort those who grieve, feed the hungry, talk to the lonely, share the Good News of Jesus’ love.
6. Stay connected
Use technology to connect with people you love. Learn how to use Zoom or Messenger and video call people you know. You are not alone. When you need to talk to someone, reach out and ask for help.
7. Sing
Turn off the news and put on some worship music. Sometimes I ask, "Alexa, play some worship music" and see what comes on.
And when it all seems too much, when anxiety and worry begin to overtake your heart, join with me in singing…
With Christ in my vessel, I can smile at the storm
Smile at the storm
Smile at the storm
With Christ in my vessel, I can smile at the storm
Until He takes me home
