By: Barbara Hemenway
“Peace that passes our comprehension is not a quality of life which excludes us from the stresses and strains of human society. It is not a sheltered withdrawal from the wrongs that rack our world. Nor is it a cloistered existence in which we are cut off from the calamities and conflicts of our generation. The place of peace to which God our Father calls us is that intimate inner acquaintance with Himself whereby we come to know so assuredly: “O Father, You are here!” And all is well!”1
“The sun had set, and the blackness of night settled down upon the stormy sea. The waves, lashed into fury by the howling winds, dashed fiercely over the disciples’ boat, and threatened to engulf it. ...They were helpless in the grasp of the tempest, and hope failed them as they saw that their boat was filling. Absorbed in their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten that Jesus was on board. Now, seeing their labor vain and only death before them, they remembered at whose command they had set out to cross the sea. ...In their helplessness and despair they cried, “Master, Master!” But the dense darkness hid Him from their sight. Their voices were drowned by the roaring of the tempest, and there was no reply.”2
“Again they call, but there is no answer except the shrieking of the angry blast. ...their boat is sinking. Suddenly a flash of lightning pierces the darkness, and they see Jesus lying asleep, undisturbed by the tumult. “Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” Their cry arouses Jesus. “Lord, save us: we perish!” Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded. As the disciples grasp their oars to make a last effort, Jesus rises. He stands in the midst of His disciples, while the tempest rages, the waves break over them, and the lightning illuminates His countenance. He lifts His hand, so often employed in deeds of mercy, and says to the angry sea, “Peace, be still.”3
“How often the disciples’ experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain... He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best”4
So, when your storm rages and your ship about to fail, my prayer for you is that you may “come to know so assuredly: “O Father, You are here!” “And all is well!”5
“Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven.” Psalm 107:28-30 (NKJV)
Sources
1 Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations, p 2064 2 Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p 334.6 3 Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p 335.2 4 Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p 336.3 5 Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations, p 2064