“Peace be still” are the words spoken by Jesus in the New Testament during a dramatic moment when He calmed a raging storm on the Sea of Galilee. This phrase, found in the Gospels, holds deep spiritual significance and offers insights into the power of Christ, the nature of faith, and the peace that believers can find in Him.
The Biblical Account
Calming the Storm
The story of Jesus calming the storm is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The most detailed account is found in the Gospel of Mark:
Mark 4:35-41 (NIV):
“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!'”
In this account, Jesus and His disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a sudden and violent storm arises. The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, are terrified by the intensity of the storm. Meanwhile, Jesus is asleep, demonstrating His calmness and trust in God. When the disciples wake Him in panic, Jesus simply commands the storm to be still, and immediately, there is a great calm.
Significance of Jesus’ Command
The phrase “Peace, be still” (or “Quiet! Be still!” in some translations) is a direct command from Jesus, showcasing His authority over nature. This event highlights several key themes:
- Jesus’ Divine Authority: By calming the storm with a word, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority over creation. The disciples’ reaction—asking, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”—reflects their growing realization of Jesus’ divine nature.
- The Power of Faith: Jesus rebukes the disciples for their lack of faith, indicating that their fear stemmed from a failure to trust in His power and presence. This event teaches that faith in Christ can bring peace, even in the most turbulent circumstances.
- The Peace of Christ: The calming of the storm symbolizes the peace that Jesus brings into the lives of believers. Just as He brought physical calm to the sea, He brings spiritual calm to the hearts of those who trust in Him.
Spiritual Application of “Peace Be Still”
Trusting God in the Storms of Life
The phrase “Peace, be still” is not just about a physical storm; it is also about the metaphorical storms that people face in life. These can be personal challenges, fears, anxieties, or any situation that causes turmoil. The story teaches that in the midst of these storms, believers are called to trust in Jesus’ power and presence.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV):
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s words in Philippians echo the peace that Jesus offers. When believers turn to God in faith, He provides a peace that surpasses human understanding, guarding their hearts and minds.
Jesus as the Source of Peace
The peace that Jesus offers is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in His character and promises. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the source of true peace.
John 14:27 (NIV):
“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.”
Jesus’ peace is different from the temporary or superficial peace that the world offers. It is a deep, abiding peace that sustains believers even in the midst of trials.
Overcoming Fear with Faith
The story of Jesus calming the storm also addresses the issue of fear. The disciples were afraid because they were focused on the storm rather than on Jesus. This teaches believers that fear often arises when they take their eyes off Christ and focus on their problems instead.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV):
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Keeping a steadfast focus on God leads to perfect peace, even when circumstances are difficult. Faith in God’s sovereignty and goodness allows believers to overcome fear.
The Peace That Transforms
The Transformative Power of Christ’s Peace
The peace that Jesus brings is transformative. It changes not only the external circumstances, as in the calming of the storm, but also the internal state of the believer’s heart.
Colossians 3:15 (NIV):
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
When Christ’s peace rules in a believer’s heart, it leads to a life marked by gratitude, unity, and a sense of well-being that transcends earthly concerns.
Peace as a Witness to Others
A believer’s ability to remain peaceful in difficult situations can be a powerful testimony to others. It demonstrates the reality of God’s presence and power in their lives.
Matthew 5:9 (NIV):
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
As peacemakers, believers are called to not only experience Christ’s peace but also to extend it to others, bringing calm and reconciliation in a world often filled with strife.
Conclusion
“Peace, be still” are words that carry profound meaning for believers today. They remind us of Jesus’ divine authority, the peace He offers, and the importance of faith in overcoming fear. In a world filled with uncertainties and challenges, the peace of Christ stands as a beacon of hope and stability. By trusting in Jesus and allowing His peace to rule in our hearts, we can face life’s storms with confidence, knowing that He is in control and that His peace is available to us at all times.