Peace!

by Michael Olson

The Lord spoke and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
Psalm 33:9

Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.
Mark 4:39

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, in the midst of racial tensions, in the midst of wildfires still burning, in the midst of the upcoming election, we need peace in our lives more than ever.

I have several songs about peace racing around in my head, so I'd like to share some of them with you. And perhaps you have similar songs, or quite different songs, or maybe some of the same songs, about peace.

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin,
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
(followed by several other stanzas)

I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river in my soul,
I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river in my soul
(again, followed by several other stanzas)

When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
(followed by several other stanzas)

Here is a two-stanza hymn which talks about peace:

Peace, to soothe our bitter woes, God in Christ on us bestows;
Jesus brought our peace with God with his holy, precious blood;
peace in him for sinners found is the gospel's joyful sound.

Peace within the church still dwells in our welcomes and farewells;
and through God's baptismal power peace surrounds our dying hour.|
Peace be with you, full and free, now and through eternity.

And then there's "one more song" that I've been singing for a very long time:

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment, and live each moment in peace eternally!
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

Find peace, embrace peace, and share the peace of God with everyone, each and every day!

Michael Olson, Minister of Music

molson@flcfargo.org

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