According to the dictionary, peace is defined as: freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility. While that may be a definition of peace, it should not be the definition we use when we face difficulty.
Through many seasons of life, we’ve seen a great number of transitions in family, friends, jobs, homes—everything. We believe that peace is the reality of Heaven within you. As believers, the Prince of Peace dwells inside of us, giving us direct access to heaven. So often we forget to tap into our God-given attributes such as the fruits of the Spirit, but when we do, there is a rush—an overflowing. Peace does not mean everything in life is going to be still, it means that despite the ebb and flow of circumstances, peace washes over you, like a river. Peace reassures you that you are safe in the middle of everything.
A collection of art students were asked to paint a picture of their definition of peace. One student painted a very calm sea with a boat resting atop of it, and another student painted a small bird sleeping in its nest during a raging storm. When asked about why they chose those interpretations, the student who painted the bird said, “Peace isn’t everything being ok, it’s knowing that you’re going to be ok even though there may be danger roaring around you.”
In Matthew 8:23-27, Jesus sets the perfect example of peace. In the middle of the storm, He sleeps, knowing that the wind and the waves of the storm will not overtake Him and the disciples.
‘Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with His disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him up, shouii ting, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ Jesus responded, ‘Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!’ Then He got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked. ‘Even the winds and waves obey Him!’’
We can take a lesson from the disciples: cry out to God when you feel overwhelmed. When we feel like we are about to be swallowed by the sea of our circumstances, call His name. He hears us. He has the power to calm every storm or He may just hold our hand as we navigate the choppy waters.
In the middle of the storm, we can partner with insurmountable peace. The disciples give us the example of crying out when we feel lost, and Jesus shows us that because we are children of The Most High, we can simply tap into what He has placed within us. As people, we are prone to forget the power we have through Him, but that is why there are so many beautiful examples of it. When we forget, we are reminded that we have exactly what we need when we are living in His presence. We have peace like a river, gently engulfing us in His love, carrying us into the truth of safety.
Our hope for you today is that you would become aware of the Prince of Peace who lives inside of you and surrounds you in every moment. Take a few moments of silence, and allow your senses to become aware of the peace of heaven that is available for you even now. You’re not alone—He promised to never leave you or forsake you.