“Completely Calm”

Followers of Jesus are to live out peace in the midst of the chaos of the world.  He does not instruct His followers to extract themselves from the world to a peaceful mountain or a calm seaside villa in order to experience His peace. Jesus discloses to us that His peace can be lived out in the midst of the storms and chaos of this world.  Take a look at Matthew 8:23-27, ²³ Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴ Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”  ²⁶ He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.  ²⁷ The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”  In the midst of storms, Jesus is “completely calm” and explains to the disciples to focus not on the overwhelming storms of life but on Him. 

Three of my favorite verses that reveal “Jesus-peace” can be lived out in the storms of life.

• John 14:27 states, “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 not like worldly happiness which is conditional.  The peace of Jesus is unconditional.  COMPLETELY CALM…
• John 16:33 declares, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  Jesus-peace can be lived out no matter what.  “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” COMPLETELY CALM…
• Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Do not be anxious in anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Deal with each and every anxiety before it takes root.  Anxiety is fear.  Fear is “false evidence appearing real.”  Anxieties are lies making things look overwhelming.  Focus your eyes on your almighty God and trust Him.  Once you do, 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  COMPLETELY CALM…

This life can get ugly quickly.  Without realizing, we often live in the power and wisdom of the flesh.  On the other hand, if you learn to trust Him living in His power, the quality of life becomes very different.  Proverbs 3:5&6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”  COMPLETELY CALM…