When chaos strikes, peace often feels impossible to hold onto. Financial hardships, health struggles, relationship challenges, grief and loss - the storms of life easily overwhelm us. We desperately try to grasp fleeting scraps of peace as waves crash over the bow.
In Luke 8, we read the story of Jesus and his disciples in a boat in the middle of the storm. The disciples were fighting against it, while Jesus was peacefully asleep. In the midst of a storm, the disciples cried out, thinking their boat would sink and Jesus didn't care. But the Prince of Peace stood up and "rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm" (Luke 8:24 NIV). The disciples were amazed. "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him!" (v. 25).
Just like those disciples, we often feel tossed about, worrying Jesus is asleep to our plight. But the same Savior who stilled the storm beckons us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NIV).
In John 14:27 Jesus promises, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." His peace rises above anxiety and fear.
The apostle Paul testified to supernatural peace, even as he suffered chains in prison. What fueled such confident peace in trying times? Paul points to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. He prayed for the Roman Christians, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
As we trust God and rely on his Spirit at work within us, joy and peace can overflow, transcending external storms. This kingdom peace, rooted in God’s righteousness at work in our hearts, cannot be shaken.