Published on 12/21/2007

There's only one Person who can give us peace in all circumstances: the Christ of Christmas who is our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). This week we've watched him calm the stormy Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41), and learned how he can do the same for our hearts and minds.

Commentary

BlackBerries are often called CrackBerries because the email/smartphone devices are so addictive. I used to wonder if that was really true, then I got one several months ago. Janet says she may throw it in the next lake she sees. I can now check email and browse the Internet all day every day. For some reason she thinks that's not a good thing.

Apparently I'm not alone in my addiction. Today's Wall Street Journal tells us that BlackBerry's maker has seen its revenue and net income double from the third quarter of last year. If you're seeking peace and quiet, don't borrow my cell phone.

First, we invite him to captain our boat. He must be our Savior and Lord before he can be our Peace. Second, we begin the day by putting him at the helm of our ship. He cannot lead if we will not follow.

Third, we call to him at the first sign of a storm. You usually hear a storm before you see it. Or you feel the winds change, or the temperature drop, or the air thicken. At the first sign of rain clouds, call on Jesus.

The devil is smarter than we are. He is better at tempting than we are at resisting. Peter Marshall's statement couldn't be more right: "We are too Christian really to enjoy sinning and too fond of sinning really to enjoy Christianity." Without the Prince of Peace, we have no peace. So call him the moment you feel the storm begin. Admit your need and seek his power, and it will be yours.

Last, settle for nothing less than this peace. Jesus paid the supreme price to bring it to you. He left his Father's side in glory to be born into a cow stall. He exchanged the adoration of angelic millions for that of sweating shepherds. He left God's perfect heaven for the only sinful and fallen planet in all the universe. All to be your Prince of Peace.

Settle for nothing less. Storms are inevitable, but peace is available for every storm. If your heart is not at peace today, go to Jesus. Make him your Captain, give him your boat, ask his help with your storms. And he will speak peace to your seas and to your soul.

I recently found a remarkable hymn which proclaims his peace. Written sixteen centuries ago by a man named Prudentius, it brings hope to storm-tossed souls still today:

His power and miracles proclaim him God.
I see the wild winds suddenly grow calm
When Christ commands; I see the storm-tossed sea
Grow smooth, with tranquil surface bright,
At Christ's behest; I see the waves grow firm
As the raging flood sustains his treading feet.
He walks dry-shod upon the flowing tide
And bears upon the flood with footsteps sure.
He chides the winds and bids the tempest cease.
Who would command the stormy gales . . .
Except the Lord and maker of the winds? . . .
Who on the sea could walk, who with firm step
Upon the flood could without sinking tread
That path with…feet unwet,
Except the author of the deep?

Your boat will find peace in him, or not at all. The next step is yours.