PEACE
(DAY 4 of 7) Jonathan McQuitty
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” – Mark 4:39 ESV
Think
I’ve lived in Florida long enough to see some serious storms. They’re loud, chaotic, and dark—and somehow, every time, there’s no gas and no toilet paper. I’m genuinely glad people care about personal hygiene, but let’s be honest—storms are scary.
I can’t imagine how the disciples felt, stranded in the middle of the Sea of Galilee as that storm rolled in. They didn’t have time to top off the tank or grab a few loaves of bread. They couldn’t take shelter. They were completely exposed. Or were they?
Jesus wakes up from His nap— perhaps even stretching and yawning—and simply says, “Peace! Be still.” Instantly, the winds and waves obey. His authority and dominion were on full display.
I remember a season when my life felt like one of those storms that won’t let up. Both of our cars went down at the same time, our kitchen flooded, my kids got sick, my wife faced a scary health situation, and ministry pressures were mounting. Wave after wave kept crashing in. I felt like the disciples must have—helpless, afraid, wondering if the boat would hold together.
But I learned something in that season: I have a choice when the storms come. I can focus on the power of the storm, or I can focus on the power of the One who commands it.
Just as Jesus spoke “Peace! Be still” to the raging waters, He speaks that same word into our hearts today. His peace—the kind that surpasses understanding—doesn’t wait for circumstances to change before it settles in. His peace has authority. It silences fear, calms anxiety, and steadies us until the storm passes.
And when the winds finally fade, we find ourselves not just surviving—but resting in the presence of the One who was in the boat all along.
I can’t imagine how the disciples felt, stranded in the middle of the Sea of Galilee as that storm rolled in. They didn’t have time to top off the tank or grab a few loaves of bread. They couldn’t take shelter. They were completely exposed. Or were they?
Jesus wakes up from His nap— perhaps even stretching and yawning—and simply says, “Peace! Be still.” Instantly, the winds and waves obey. His authority and dominion were on full display.
I remember a season when my life felt like one of those storms that won’t let up. Both of our cars went down at the same time, our kitchen flooded, my kids got sick, my wife faced a scary health situation, and ministry pressures were mounting. Wave after wave kept crashing in. I felt like the disciples must have—helpless, afraid, wondering if the boat would hold together.
But I learned something in that season: I have a choice when the storms come. I can focus on the power of the storm, or I can focus on the power of the One who commands it.
Just as Jesus spoke “Peace! Be still” to the raging waters, He speaks that same word into our hearts today. His peace—the kind that surpasses understanding—doesn’t wait for circumstances to change before it settles in. His peace has authority. It silences fear, calms anxiety, and steadies us until the storm passes.
And when the winds finally fade, we find ourselves not just surviving—but resting in the presence of the One who was in the boat all along.
Act
Where do you need to hear Jesus say “Peace, be still” in your life? Is it in your family, your health, your finances, or in your heart? Take a moment today to invite Him to speak His peace into that area. Say out loud, “Jesus, speak peace over this storm.” Then rest in the confidence that His word carries more power than the waves crashing against you. Don’t forget, Jesus is in the boat.
Pray
Jesus, thank you that you are the Prince of Peace. I invite you to speak “peace, be still” over the storms in my life today. Calm my heart where it is restless, quiet my mind where it is anxious, and remind me that you are in control. Fill me with the peace that surpasses understanding and let me carry that peace into every situation I face. Amen.
Worship
Spend some time worshiping the Lord.
Come back tomorrow for day 5!