This week, I needed Jesus to speak to the pain, loss and chaos in my world. I needed the Prince of Peace to reign over my circumstances.

What about you? Are tragedies or troubles turning your world upside down? We’re all being affected on some level by the world’s brokenness. Some may be fighting for their health, marriage, a relationship or job. Some are suffering unimaginable, devastating loss. Just taking your next breath could take conscious effort.

With anxiety running rampant in the 21st Century, what in your world needs peace breathed into it, or perhaps even shouted?

Jesus’ followers experienced a time of desperate need, and although our circumstances might differ today, the need may be just as dire.

Jesus and His followers had a long day while Jesus taught the crowds through parables. As evening approached, He called His disciples to travel by boat to another town. In route, a fierce gale of wind arose, waves overtaking them. But Jesus was snoozing soundly in the back of the boat.

Wait—how could He sleep during a raging storm? Perhaps because He’s the Prince of Peace?

When they woke Him, He simply spoke, “Peace, be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and a great calm occurred. (Mark 4:39)

There must be something in this account for us today, as there was for His panicked followers that calamitous, dark night.

His Word is as alive today as it was in that boat—He can speak to our troubled souls, broken hearts, and calm our anxious minds.

Can you imagine Jesus speaking to your worst circumstance, “Peace, be still!” and a great calm occurring? At this moment, some of us simply cannot. The pain is too great, the circumstances too dire, the heartbreak too cavernous.

But what if we ask anyway?

And if we aren’t capable—the suffering too significant, the numbness too near, the pain too present—allow someone else to ask on our behalf?

I don’t claim to possess a pat 3 step solution to your deepest pain or dire need, but I take comfort in this:

“I say these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

He overcame sin and death. He can overcome our deepest, darkest heartaches, fears and troubles.

It may not be a one-and-done. The repair may be slow and steady. It may be, wait and watch.

A surgeon takes his time—meticulously cutting, repairing, stitching. He understands haste causes further injury. When the wound is carefully dressed, he vigilantly watches for healing, staving off infection and disease. He looks for signs of regeneration from the inside out.

Once healing is complete, He tests for strength and endurance. He determines soundness yet knows the original condition is forever altered. The scar remains—a testament to healing, resilience and new life.

Like the scars in His hands.

This is our Savior—a competent, careful, compassionate healer.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor…to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives… to comfort all who mourn…to give them beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit. Isaiah 61:1-2

He can and will speak to our darkest circumstances and command a great calm. Our circumstances may not change, but maybe what becomes “perfectly calm” is our soul—in His tender hands, in His time.

A friend recently encouraged me with these words, and today I speak them into the weary places in your soul and the broken pieces of your heart—

Even though we feel down, we’re going to get back up. We’re going to cry, and wipe our tears, then keep going. We have done hard things before. I will get back up. You will too. – Lisa Underwood