Devotionals

Peace and Calm

by Jennifer Woodley 
06/06/17
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Peace and Calm

‘He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.’ Mark 4:39 (NRSV)

Just three little words can calm the storms that rage around us. That seems just a bit too good to be true doesn’t it? However, it’s not. Only Jesus can settle the turbulent events in our lives or the anxious thoughts that endeavour to rob us of a calm mind and a restful soul.

We must diligently turn our face towards the Saviour and intentionally listen to his voice. Where is our attention centred? Like Peter, are we often overwhelmed by the wind and the waves that attempted to swamp him? Or are we mostly looking up into the face of Jesus who faithfully reaches out his hand and says, “Come!” Life struggles and inner voices seek to sabotage our faith, but with our attention fixed on Jesus we can overcome.

As long as our attention is turned upon our circumstances, then our face is turned away from Christ. As long as our ears are listening to the voices that stir up anxiety and discontent, then we won’t hear his voice. Though Jesus is always close by, we’ll never see him or hear him while our attention is elsewhere.

Isn’t it time to turn our eyes upon Jesus? To tune out the distracting voices around us and let him still the raging storms?

Jesus, I want to set my face to follow you and listen to your voice calling me through the multitude of distractions. Help me to courageously follow you and to faithfully obey you. Thank you.