He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. – (Mark 4:39, HCSB)
Jesus stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. He said, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind stopped, and the lake became calm. – (Mark 4:39, ERV)
He got up, shouted words into the wind, and commanded the waves. Jesus: “That’s enough! Be still!” And immediately the wind died down to nothing, the waves stopped. – (Mark 4:39, VOICE)
This is a powerful reminder of what Jesus can do when we call on Him in the middle of our storms. His power can silence the storm around us, or the storm in us, in an instant. Jesus did not prevent the storm, for storms come and go. He did, however, respond to the disciples when the called on Him. In the same way, we can call on Jesus in the midst of our own storms. Sometimes, it is that around us that needs to be calmed, yet others, it is the heart within us that truly needs His peace. As much as we might desire for the chaos to cease in an instant, there are times that knowing His calm within us is enough to navigate that which surrounds us. No matter our environment, situation or circumstance, He is near and able to help in ways we might not have imagined. For the disciples, He spoke and the wind and water obeyed. In my life, I have seen and known His help, His provision, His peace, and His presence in ways that calmed my heart and brought me to safe harbor. Not every storm stopped, but His peace was present and His strength supplied to press on in the direction to which I was called. His command, “Be still!” was spoken into my heart and at times, to my surroundings. In all things, He is good and He is able to bring us through every storm. May we ever seek the Lord and His powerful presence to bring peace to the places of unrest, and true rest to our weariness.
Jesus says, “Be still!”
to our hearts and minds;
all circumstances,
His help’s always kind.
He supplies the strength,
that our heart will need;
to navigate all,
in word, thought and deed.
Wherever we are,
whatever we do;
may we call on Him,
for He’ll see us through.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You can calm the storms around us and within us. Thank You that when You say, “Be still,” the storm is silenced, be it within our around us. Forgive us for the times that we flail about in the waves and wind instead of calling on You to be our peace. Teach us to trust You more, for You are always good and Your power provides what we need to navigate every storm. Lead us in Your love so that all those around us may understand the goodness of Your grace and the power of Your perfect peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You in stillness and storm, and praise You for the reminder to be still. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
“For I know the plans I have for you” – this is the Lord’s declaration – “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:11-13
Revelations In Writing 