If you were to describe the year 2020 in one word, I’d venture to guess you probably wouldn’t choose the word peace. This past year has seemingly been anything BUT peaceful. Most of us know all too well the demons of stress and anxiety and fear. We long for peace and stillness and rest, but they seem to evade us.

This is nothing new. The Psalms are filled with the cries of those experiencing similar ailments. A simple skim through the book will show devout followers of the Most High repeatedly feeling lost and abandoned. But a common theme you’ll also find in the Psalms is that these downtrodden saints continually seek the Lord. They call out to him asking, begging, pleading for peace that they know He can provide.

I love how The Message paraphrase expresses Psalm 42:6: “When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of you.” As a musician, I am well acquainted with the concept of rehearsal. An athlete might identify with the term “practice”. You do something over and over again, trying to improve and get better. And so it is with our faith. These moments and seasons when we are “in the dumps”, when we feel exposed and vulnerable, we keep going back to what we know to be true: the character of God as described in Scripture.

As we’re reminded of the angel’s proclamation in Luke 2:14 of “Peace on Earth”, we may be tempted to gloss over this idea, or even think such peace is not possible this side of heaven. But let’s not miss the beautiful, glorious miracle of those words! Colossians 1:19-20 says of Jesus, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (NIV). When the angel made that announcement that PEACE had come to Earth, he was literally proclaiming the gospel, the good news! Jesus’ coming to Earth would bring the ultimate peace that humanity longs for: peace with God.

So when we are feeling low, fearful, stressed, and we cry out to the Lord for refuge, let us remember that the ultimate peace is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus, we can //find rest my soul in Christ alone// as our song for today says. Let us rehearse this truth over and over and never stop so that it becomes second nature to us. And when the worries of life come at us, we will default back to the truth that Jesus puts us at peace with God, and that is the greatest gift of all.

This song, Still, was a favorite at Calvary about 15 years ago. Recently it was re-released with a new chorus that emphasizes Christ as our peace, which seemed fitting given the events of this year. I’d encourage you to read through the additional Scripture passages and song lyrics below and listen to a recording of
Still/P E A C E as we anticipate worship this Sunday.

Looking for some music to enrich your personal worship throughout the week? Check our Calvary Worship Favorites playlist on Spotify. It’s an assortment of songs that we sing on the regular during our Sunday worship services.

If you want to get a taste of what we’ll be singing on any upcoming Sunday, check out our This Sunday At Calvary playlist. This list is updated weekly with the songs we’re planning to lead at the upcoming Sunday service.

Still / P E A C E

Hide me now under Your wings

Cover me within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with You above the storm

Father You are King over the flood

I will be still and know You are God

Find rest my soul in Christ alone

Know His power in quietness and trust

You are peace to a restless soul

Peace when my thoughts wage war

Peace to the anxious heart

That's who You are

You are peace when my fear takes hold

Peace when I feel enclosed

Peace when I lose control

That's who You are

CCLI Song # 7163384
Benjamin Hastings | Melodie Wagner | Michael Fatkin | Reuben Morgan
© 2020 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 702888

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer.
I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength.
Lead me to a rock that is high above me,
for you have been a refuge for me,
a strong tower in the face of the enemy.
I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings.

Psalm 61:1-4 (CSB)

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,

Isaiah 43:1-4a (NIV)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV)