He Said “Peace Be Still” - Part 1

For many years the song Peace Be Still has been in our repertoire for Living Pictures, and has been a favorite of many. This year, as our church choir sang in unfamiliar territory, saddened by our recent loss, and in the midst of personal chaos, the words took on new meaning for me.

I have felt the strain of constant stress over the past few months. Sometimes I felt as if I could win an Olympic medal in “WORRY.”

I felt pressure at work to compensate for an ill co-worker and to complete special projects and reports without falling behind in my own duties. My health just hasn’t “felt right.” I’ve had myriad small complaints of this-and-that which led me to general and constant malaise and grumbling. I worried over property taxes and Christmas, and the general state of our financial status in light of the current economy. I have worked on my writing, and helping to lead my Sunday School Class, which hasn’t come easily while in the midst of this stress-storm.

As a result there is guilt I’ve heaped on myself for shorting everyone; family, Girlfriends Class, church family, friends in general and work.

All of this culminated with the fire in our sanctuary. Our beautiful, peaceful sanctuary, where I first made a profession of faith, was baptized, married and ordained as a deacon. Many significant moments in my life, and encounters with God’s Holy Presence, took place within those walls.

If only I were a bear! I could crawl in a cave and hibernate until the storms pass and awaken to spring when everything is fresh and new.

As we practiced our limited songs of Living Pictures in a strange sanctuary the words took on personal significance.

When trouble rained upon me,
Sorrows gathered like a fog,
And it seemed my Savior’s face was hid from mine.
My heavy heart was full of doubt,
Shaken by the storm.
Then I felt His words bring comfort deep inside.

For the first time I truly understand this song is not just about the disciples in the boat during a storm. The song describes the storms of life we all feel from time to time. It describes me to a “T.”

He said peace be still.
And the winds and rains were calmed by His voice.
He said peace be still
And a miracle began
By the power of His command,
Peace be still.

OH, it seemed as if God was speaking directly to me.

In the space of a few measures of music I feel His love very clearly, cutting through all the worry and stress. I feel His gentle reminder of the way to peace,

Perfect peace,
His peace.

I only need to be still and know that He is God and that He has everything in His perfect care.

Be Still.

Easier said than done, I find.

In the words of the BeeGees:

How can you stop the rain from falling down?
How can you stop the sun from shining?
How can a loser ever win?

How can I be still when I continue to have the worries of the world surrounding me?

I must report to work, my aches and pains give me no relief, the economy still tanks. I try to retain that sense of love and peace I felt as we sang that song. I recite the words almost as a mantra to snatch a few minutes of the serenity garnered that day.

Try as I may, I am lost. I can not find my way to be still. I know what to do, I just don’t know anymore, how to do it.