Pause for Peace and Pianissimo

Welcome to our first “music week” here on JAMM Mom! It’s a Monday, so we’re feeding our hearts and souls with manna. It’s holiday time, and while that may look different in 2020, it’s still a time of extra activity, shopping, and busy-ness. Although 1 Peter 3:4 speaks of the importance of having a gentle, quiet spirit, peace often alludes us, this time of year.

As I thought about what our hearts truly need right now, the word “peace” resonated with me. As much as we often equate peace with a lack of trial in our lives, peace is a trait we can possess even when trials assail us.  When we feel our heart pounding, our blood pressure rising, and our minds spinning out of control, a simple whisper of Jesus’ name will bring an inexplicable calm to our hearts. Here are some verses to rehearse over our troubled minds and hearts when peace seems out of reach.

10 verses to speak peace to your heart:

1. Psalm 23:2 He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. (I love the thought that where He leads me is peaceful.)
2. Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. (He strengthens us in times of weakness and intentionally blesses us with peace.)
3. Psalm 34:14 Search for peace, and work to maintain it. (Peace requires intentionality.)
4. Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. (He is enough for us, even when the battles rage.)
5. Psalm 119:165 Great peace have those who love your law. Nothing can cause them to stumble. (When we follow God’s commands, we have His peace, no matter what.)
6. Isaiah 26:3 He will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you; all whose thoughts are fixed on you. (When  we focus our thoughts on God, He helps us maintain our peace.)
7. Mark 4:39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. (Just as Jesus spoke to the physical waves, He gives us authority to speak peace to the waves in our hearts.)
8. Romans 8:6 …letting the Holy Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. (When we allow God to direct us, the result is abundant life and lasting peace.)
9. Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (No explanation required!)
10. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. (God’s peace will control us…if we let it.)

Here are some songs for peace. I also included some Christmas songs about peace. After all, that babe in the manger is the only source of perfect peace.

10 Songs to speak peace to the depths of our souls:

1. Peace Be Still—Hope Darst
2. Peace—Josh Baldwin
3. Perfect Peace—Laura Story
4. Be Still my Soul—Kari Jobe
5. Be Still–Hillsong
6. I’ve Got Peace like a River—kids’ song
7. It is Well—Bethel Music
8. Peace Has Come—Hillsong (Christmas)
9. Glory (Let There be Peace)—Matt Maher (Christmas)
10. Let There be Peace on Earth—Vince Gill

As I considered the connections between peace and music, the word “pianissimo” came to mind. Pianissimo is a musical term that means very quiet. Pianissimo, like peace, requires intentionality. The vocalist or player of instruments must exercise great restraint and control to play so softly. Pianissimo requires intentionality by the listener, as well. The listener must quiet themselves in order to hear and appreciate music played at this level, just as we as believers must quiet ourselves before the Lord to hear His still, small voice.

This Christmas season, let’s intentionally practice peace and listening. Ask God to help you when storms rage within or around you. Speak His name, and allow His peace to fill and steady your heart.

Jesus, thank you for peace. Thank you for your name, your Word, and music to still our hearts. Help us be mindful to speak your name when our heart, mind, or emotions run away with us. Help us to allow you and your peace to rule our hearts, moment by moment, amen!

Now, may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times, in every way. The Lord be with you all (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

( Peace by Bethel Music) Listen to this song and allow it to speak to your soul.