The Peace That Passes All Understanding

When I was 7, I was traveling by ship with my family from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Montevideo, Uruguay—a two-hour trip in good weather. The storm hit us suddenly. Waves were crashing against our large ship, and I could feel it moving like a rocking chair, from side to side.

I lay down and closed my eyes tightly. I tried to picture the disciples in the storm on the Lake of Galilee, and I remember thinking: “This is what it must have felt like.” I prayed that Jesus would calm that storm as well. I knew that story, and in the middle of a storm it gave me peace.

It has been more than a year since we all started experiencing the present global pandemic together, probably one of many storms we will have to endure. We may have sensed the loss of control over our lives, filling us with a sense of helplessness similar to what the disciples experienced that night. For many of the disciples, the sea was their area of expertise, perhaps even a second home. Could it be that the place they thought they controlled turned into their worst nightmare?

The storm was not only a physical challenge. It shook their strength, their faith, and their hope.

They couldn’t understand how Jesus could be sleeping so peacefully. They wondered silently. Then they shouted their fears. Did He not care for them?

We too are immersed in a big storm. Jesus is with us, just as He was with the disciples. He shows us that we are completely powerless over even the things we thought we could control. Our efforts are in vain if He is not on board.

The darkness seemed to hide Jesus from their sight, but as He woke up, they saw a preview of what would come. Lightning revealed His face, and they saw heaven’s peace in His eyes. They cried: “Lord, save us: we perish” (Matt. 8:25, KJV). “Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded,” writes Ellen White.*

Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded. What a powerful statement! When we submit our fears and ourselves to Him, He promises to save us and give us His peace. Our hearts can rest assured in Him, no matter the circumstances.

In Mark 4:36 we read that there were also other boats that followed Jesus. They also suffered in the storm. They also were blessed by His peace. People around us will be blessed by the peace Jesus gives us when we look to Him.

Where do we find ourselves during this storm? Can we identify with Jesus and His heavenly peace? Do we feel like one of the disciples crying out to Him? Or do we, perhaps, feel like those rowing desperately to reach the shore? Are we like those who simply wanted a little more time with Jesus and followed Him from a distance in another boat?

Regardless of our current situation, Jesus promises His presence and His peace. He is ready to enter our storm and say: “Peace, be still.”

That’s good enough for me.

* Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1898, 1940), p. 335.