So, I’m one of those people who are always thinking. Often when I wake up my mind fills with stuff, and when my head hits the pillow my head is still filled with the same stuff or I’ve discovered a whole other bunch of stuff. I don’t necessarily mean that I’m worrying or stressing about things….. but I’m just always thinking.

This morning when I woke up I was in that place and thinking about lots of things. I went outside to pray as I normally do and as I was focusing my mind on Jesus I felt the phrase “Peace, Be Still” sort of hover over me. I knew this was something that Jesus had spoken to calm the wind and the waves when the disciples were on trouble on the sea. Some versions, including the one I primarily read use the word Quiet instead of peace.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm Mark 4:39 (NIV)

I then began to look through the gospels and I began to notice that Jesus talked about peace a decent amount.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” John 20:19-23 (NIV)

Now, it makes sense that someone who was called the Prince of Peace would often talk about peace. It was clear that Jesus wanted those who followed Him to be a people of peace. There is something about allowing His peace in our lives that helps us to see Him. The psalmist says this;

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

It’s vital that as we navigate the demands and rush that we often experience in our lives that we speak “Peace, Be still” over our circumstances. That can feel like a difficult thing to do, especially if the circumstances are difficult and can feel overwhelming. But remember how the peace of God is defined in Philippians.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

It transcends all understanding which means that it isn’t related to our understanding. It goes beyond what we think is possible, it can rest in places we thought it would be impossible for it to be.

Today, whatever we are feeling or facing, it is vital that we invite the peace of God to come and make its home in us. It’s important that we ‘quiet’ the part in us that wants to keep us constantly moving or worrying.

Peace, Be Still.