Text:

"Why are you afraid?" asked Jesus,
wakened in a storm-tossed boat.
Wind and waves lashed his disciples,
drenched in doubt they'd stay afloat.
At his word, then, instant calming!
Wind had settled; waves were gone.
"Who is this?" disciples thought.

"Do not be afraid," Christ counseled.
"Just believe" is what he said
to the father of a little girl
who'd been sick, but now seemed dead.
Jesus put out mourners wailing,
went in, took her hand in his....
At his words "Get up," she did.

With his caring, teachings, power,
Jesus' friends and foll'wers grew.
For them, even at his own last meal,
"Peace," he said, "I give to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You will not be left alone.
More than worldly peace you'll know."

And when Jesus resurrected,
"Peace" again was what he said--
that word having new dimension,
spoken, risen from the dead.
Jesus, Lord, with you there's blessing,
counsel, leading, calming waves...
now, for us, throughout this age.

 

This hymn/song especially suits the Sunday after Easter, when the Revised Common Lectionary focuses on John 20:19-31. (It could also be used for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year B, for Luke 24:36b-48.) With the song's emphasis on Jesus offering us peace, however, it can be appropriate anytime.