Peace and Calm – Jennifer Woodley
‘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 endeavor to rob us of a calm mind and a restful soul.
Where is our attention centered? Like Peter, are we often overwhelmed by the wind and the waves that attempted to swamp him? Or are we looking up into the face of Jesus who faithfully reaches out his hand and says, “Come!”
As long as our attention is focused on our circumstances, our face is turned away from Christ. If 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, we’ll never realize it while our attention is elsewhere.
Life struggles and inner voices seek to sabotage our faith, but with our attention fixed on Jesus, we can overcome. Isn’t it time to diligently turn our eyes upon Jesus and intentionally listen to his voice? 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 follow you courageously and to obey you faithfully. Thank you.
Jennifer lives near Toowoomba, Queensland, with her family. She enjoys encouraging others on their faith journey through mentoring and writing. Contact 
