By Judy Villanueva
He told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, “Quiet! Settle down!” The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. (Mark 4:39)
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take courage! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“I wonder if cows are glad when the sun comes up, after being in the dark all night.” My husband’s pondering made me smile as I tried to picture happy cows at dawn! We had been driving for some time and, as the sun began to rise, I realized that I, too, am glad for the coming of light each morning. So many faces flashed through my mind of loved ones who are waiting in the dark…worn out, discouraged and eager to be glad again. A broken heart, a tormented mind, a hope deferred, a dread realized…each one bearing a trial that disrupts peace, troubles the soul and threatens faith in a good and mighty God.
When I think of peace in tribulation, the image of Jesus sound asleep in a violent storm comes to mind. Can you picture that small boat tossed about on the Sea of Galilee and the disciples white with fear? I often read Scripture as though looking through a telescope, viewing a familiar story and watching it unfold up close. Coming upon Jesus, with His head on a pillow, fast asleep, helps me touch the peace of God. Look!
God’s reign over all of life blanketed our Savior with a Shalom that freed Him from worry…and allowed Him to sleep in the middle of a raging storm.
Jesus had no fear for His life because He knew His Father had it covered. Asleep on a boat or hanging on a cross, Jesus’ life was held securely in the hand of God. So is ours. It’s tempting to tie our peace to circumstances and outcomes that we cannot control.
Only Jesus fully grasps the cosmic triumph that happened when He overcame the world, but He did and because He did, we can take courage!
I suspect that, rather than cursing the storms, we find peace as we join Him on the boat and put our heads on the pillow next to His. With Jesus, we are helped to bear our pain and trust the One who reigns — for the coming of Light in the morning and the power to make us glad again.
“Father, bring Light to our darkness and peace to our storms. Give us courage to trust You and reassurance that you are with us. Be our peace and gladness today and help us as we wait for the dawn. Amen.”
What about you?
Are you in a season of loss or trial?
What does it mean to you that Jesus has overcome the world?
Have you experienced the peace in Christ?
What is the prayer of your heart today?
The One who overcame is with you. Take courage!
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Worship
Joy always comes in the morning!!!! His mercies are new every morning!!! These words have once again given new hope for my soul and for all those struggling with sorrow over something in life. Our hope is in Christ alone! I LOVE tommys song. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and love
Dear Judy! Thank you thank you for always since I have known you have always encouraged me to Run To Jesus! You will never know how much thiseamt today. I love and miss you , Sandi
Your message brought an image to my mind…an image that I turn to whenever I
need God’s help. ….the beautiful image of Jesus in a boat with his apostles controlling the raging storm at sea. It is beneficial, and so comforting to me that Jesus is in control of my storm…..it seems to take pressure off of me. It is not always big
storms, sometimes the little storms can be unsettling but knowing that Jesus, and
only Jesus is in control of the storm gives me relief.
Beautiful, meaningful message…..
Thank you, dear friend. Your message has given me fresh heart. This Christmas season is giving me exceptional hope for all the dark places where I am waiting for His Light. Thank you for the reminder that I and my family are held in the grip of God. And to remember that my peace is not tied to circumstances or outcomes but to Him…