City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives.

Colossians 3:15-17 (MSG)

³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

Mark 4:35-39 (NIV)

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s scriptures show us there is peace in God’s presence. One of Jesus’ many titles is “Prince of Peace” (See Isaiah 9:6). That means when we are operating in peace, we are in His realm of authority and rulership. Conversely, when we are cognizant of our position in Him, we experience His peace and wholeness as well. 

When we are in God’s presence, we can enjoy His peace. Not only that, we can delegate His peace in every situation. It’s part of our inheritance as His children: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9 AMP). 

A perfect case in point is displayed in Mark 4:35-39. First of all, Jesus was actually taking a nap while in a boat in the midst of a crazy storm. I love it! Even in tumultuous times, we can remain in a place of rest and peace as long as Jesus is in our boat. Remember, there is peace in His presence. 

Secondly, Jesus responded to the disciples’ panic by quieting the storm. Aren’t you glad God is not indifferent to our problems and pain? He responds. If you are in the middle of a storm right now, run to Jesus. He will not abandon you in your time of desperate need. He’ll speak peace into your storm and calm things down. 

When Jesus is in your boat, you can rest assured you’ll make it to the other side. The Prince of Peace is in you and will help you bring His satisfying wholeness everywhere you go.

Application

Where in your life do you feel like you’re falling short of God’s peace? It could be in your finances, your health or emotional well being, your kids’ lives, family, career, etc. Search for God’s presence in those places. Run to Him. Seek refuge in His loving arms. It is there you will find His perfect peace that surpasses understanding. 

Calm yourself and rest in this truth from our Prince of Peace: 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid

John 14:27 (ESV)

Prayer

Father God, thank You for sending the Prince of Peace to satisfy me in every area. You are all sufficient. You love me to wholeness. I want to rest deep in Your presence and experience the satisfying peace of being with You, and may I extend Your peace to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.