Poem May 29, 1954 Issue

"PEACE, BE STILL"

Mark 4:36–39

Gerald Stanwell

There came a sudden storm of mortal fears
That beat into the consciousness of those
Disciples who became afraid until
They cried unto the Master, who arose
And calmed the troubled air with "Peace, be still."
Behold how truly all the elements
Obeyed the stilling finger and the voice
Of Jesus standing there. The other ships
Were also blessed, and many yet rejoice
In that sweet power—that "Peace" upon his lips.

But peace is more than mere tranquillity
Of lapping tide or depth of rolling sea.
It is the sign of freedom from despair,
The pure effect of now—eternity—
Without the former tyranny of care.
The Christ is here to still repeated woes
And bring true peace to every seeker's thought
That seemed confused and wandering astray;
To bind his wounds and show him what he sought—
A safer tread along the narrow way.

"Peace, be still" is yet the keynote Christ
Is giving to awaken from a dream
Where error would disturb or cause alarm
In all unguarded thinking it would seem.
But the wind abated; there was calm
Upon the storm-tossed sea.
So in our day
Remains the Christ to still the waves of wrong
That try to vex the ocean of our thoughts.
Instead, the voice of Spirit utters strong
Words of healing love and rich accord,
Never a void but bringing sure surcease.
This is then the promise of the Lord:
Go forth with joy; be led with radiant peace.