Peace in the Eye of the Storm
As I sit in the midst of an evacuation for Hurricane Milton headed right toward my home, there’s a remarkable truth that shines through even in the chaos: peace is possible in the eye of the storm. Not because of the circumstances around us, but because of the One who keeps us and hides our lives in Him (Col 3:3). In Christ, we can experience a peace that is steadfast, unshakable, and present in all circumstances, even when the storms of life rage around us, both literally and figuratively.
Peace with God by Faith
Romans 5:1-2 reminds us of the foundational peace we have in Christ:
“[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
This peace is not based on what is happening around us but is rooted in the unchanging reality that we are reconciled to God (2Co 5:17-21). Through faith in Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven, and we are no longer at odds with God. This peace is foundational—it is the knowledge that our souls are secure for eternity, no matter what earthly storm we might face.
Consider a hurricane: even though the winds and rain crash and the flood waters rise, in the eye of a hurricane, there is peace and tranquility. In the center of all of the turbulence, you can be still. You can have peace. While the winds of life howl and uncertainty looms, the believer’s heart is settled in the grace of God. In the eye of the storm, this peace is an anchor. This peace is not something we earn or create through our efforts; it is a gift, graciously given to us through Christ's sacrifice. In Him, we have been justified, and because of this, our relationship with God is restored. No storm, no trial, no disaster can take away this unshakable peace and the love that God has for us in Christ (Rom 8:38-39).
Peace that Passes Understanding
Not only do we have peace with God judicially, but we can experience the peace of God in our inner man. In Philippians, the Apostle Paul instructs us how to have that peace:
“[4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. [5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” – Philippians 4:4-9
When we come to God with our fears, anxieties, and uncertainties, He promises to guard our hearts with His peace. This peace doesn’t always make sense to the human mind—how can we experience calm in the middle of a storm? How can we rest when everything around us feels like it’s falling apart? The answer is found in Christ, who keeps us steady even when life isn’t. Through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, we are to bring all our concerns before God. Prayer aligns our hearts with His will, refocusing us away from the storm and onto our Savior.
We are also instructed to meditate on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy. Keeping our minds on these things helps protect our hearts from anxiety. The truth of God’s Word, His promises, and the hope we have in Christ are the anchors that keep us from being tossed by the waves of life’s storms.
It is through continual prayer and thinking upon the truth of God that we find rest in the inner man, knowing that God “shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Php 4:19).
Conclusion
When life’s storms come—and they will—we have a choice. We can focus on the swirling winds, the destruction, the fear, or we can look to the Christ who is our hope and peace. Through Jesus Christ, we have peace with God, and through prayer, we can experience the peace of God that passes all understanding. In the eye of the storm, we can find tranquility, because we are at peace with God. Whether in literal hurricanes or in the figurative storms of life, let us always cling to the peace that only Christ provides.
