"Peace Be Still" is the stellar debut single by up-and-coming artist Hope Darst. Her debut album, which has the same name, features an empowering theme of the Lord reigning in our hearts. And, how we're called to “start over again,” as referenced in the moving closing track, which also declares the thesis statement of the album: “You don’t have to be afraid.” The album gives listeners words to “sing my way through” with declarations like, “You are a promise keeper/Your word will never fail/My heart can trust You, Jesus/I won’t be overwhelmed.”
Each song serves as a reminder not to let go of hope, to step out of fear and into trust despite life's present struggles. This message is especially heard in her hit single. Hope’s remarkable singing voice and her interesting music and lyrics are truly captivating. In "Peace Be Still," Hope invites listeners into her life by sharing what's on her heart and reflecting on life and faith issues. I had the chance to speak to her about the song.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
"Peace Be Still" was not written because I was trying to be an artist. At the time, I was writing songs with a worship team. When I was 19 years old, I thought I would become an artist. But, when I was 25, I laid that dream aside to pursue what God had called me to do: to raise a family and serve at my local church. I ended up on staff at my church and on their worship team. In 2013, I struggled with postpartum depression and being a full-time mother and raising a family.
When I was 33, I had a crisis of faith. I didn’t want to be a professional ministry person anymore. I wanted to experience God’s freedom and abundance in my life. So, I left my job at the church, and focused on healing and digging deep with God. Later, my family and I ended up at our current church where I felt God doing a deep and complete work in me.
I never imagined that 15 years later, God would lead me back to my first dream of writing and releasing music as an artist. What I’ve learned is that when I stay surrendered and keep saying ‘yes’ to the season God puts in front of me, He writes an amazing story over my life. So, whatever you have in your life that might look finished or over, think twice. You have no idea what God could bring to life again.
I've found myself fighting fear and anxiety in different seasons of life. And, what I’ve learned is that these feelings don’t go away because I think my way out of them, but I can worship my way through them. When we got together to write "Peace Be Still," I was battling intense fear and anxiety in my own life. So, we did the only thing we knew to do that day; we declared peace over ourselves.
We knew that if we could sing God’s promises over ourselves it would drown out the fear. It would shift these feelings inside of us. We wrote this song together as a way of confessing and praying over our fears and anxieties. That’s why this song was written. Out of the mouth is the power of life and death. Grab hold of God’s Word and confess it until you feel it.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Mark 4:39(NIV): “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
Psalm 107:28-31(NIV): “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind.”
Psalm 91:1-2(NKJV): "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."
Mark 4:40-41(VOICE): “Jesus: How can you be so afraid? After all you’ve seen, where is your faith? The disciples were still afraid, slowly coming to grips with what they had seen.”
Psalm 46:1(NIV): "The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble."
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Philippians 4:7(NKJV): “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
What is the takeaway message?
Fear and anxiety don’t just disappear because we write and sing songs. God has given us a weapon of worship to use every time the wave of fear wants to raise itself against us. "Peace Be Still" is a prayer and a weapon: a prayer of peace over everything you're facing, and a weapon of worship to defeat fear, depression, and doubt. God has promised you peace.
Jesus came to show us that we can overcome storms in our lives by speaking over them with God’s Word. He sustains us with a peace that passes understanding. 2 Timothy 1:7 says “we have not been given a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.” Romans 6:10-1 says, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” Fear is real. Jesus says "do not be afraid” 365 times in the Bible. He acknowledged that fear is real and something we will face daily.
Jesus was aware of the existence of fear, but more aware of His power over fear. We must do the same. It’s okay for us to admit that we are scared or that fear is ringing loud in our ears. However, in the middle of it, we must also remember that fear is not our master. Jesus has given us all authority over fear through His death and resurrection.
Lyrics
I don't want to be afraid Every time I face the waves I don't want to be afraid I don't want to be afraid
I don't want to fear the storm Just because I hear it roar I don't want to fear the storm I don't want to fear the storm
Peace be still Say the word and I will Set my feet upon the sea Till I'm dancing in the deep Peace be still You are here so it is well Even when my eyes can’t see I will trust the Voice that speaks
I'm not gonna be afraid ‘Cause these waves are only waves I'm not gonna be afraid No, I'm not gonna be afraid
And I'm not gonna fear the storm You are greater than it's roar Oh, I'm not gonna fear the storm No, I'm not gonna fear at all
Peace be still Say the word and I will Set my feet upon the sea Till I'm dancing in the deep Peace be still You are here so it is well Even when my eyes can’t see I will trust the Voice that speaks
Peace, peace over me You speak peace
Let faith rise up Oh heart believe Let faith rise up in me Let faith rise up Oh heart believe Let faith rise up in me
Let faith rise up Oh heart believe Let faith rise up in me Oh let faith rise up Oh heart believe Let faith rise up in me
Peace be still Say the word and I will Set my feet upon the sea Till I'm dancing in the deep, oh Peace be still You are here so it is well Even when my eyes can’t see I will trust the Voice that speaks
Peace, peace over me I hear You speaking Peace, peace over me
Oh, peace over me You speak peace You speak peace over me
You speak peace You speak peace You speak peace
Closing Thoughts
When you sing along with this great song, think of Jesus saying, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Have faith, don't be afraid and know that with Jesus, you will never be alone. What a comfort as we all face the unknown and this unseen coronavirus pandemic.
God knows what's going to happen. So, rather than wallow in self-pity and misery, we need to live each day knowing that despite circumstances, He is with us. As Romans 8:28 puts it, God has a plan for "those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."
"Peace Be Still" is a beautiful prayer to our king and savior. There is great comfort in knowing Jesus and being known by Him in every detail of our lives. As followers of Jesus, we know that we can trust God's Word. We're all a work in progress. Have faith and let God work all things together for your good. Spend time with God and let Him redeem and restore you. We're not at the end of our story. God's still writing our stories of redemption.
God wants us to know that He's faithful to complete what He's started in all of us who've put their hope and trust in Jesus for salvation. This song challenges me to want to know God more deeply and have more faith and security in my relationship with Him.
This song is about crying out for God's presence and desiring to know Him personally. Let's strive to know God, and He will come to you. You have the privilege of knowing Him. He lives in you and has made you His home.
I can’t get enough of “Peace Be Still.” It sets the tone for the entire worship experience with the beautiful declaration of dependence in the chorus of God’s provision in our lives: “I don't want to fear the storm/Peace be still/Say the word and I will set my feet upon the sea.”
I get swept up in the praise and worship of our savior. I'm moved by the reminders that I don’t have to be afraid. And, once we are redeemed by Jesus we can declare, “Even when my eyes can’t see/I will trust the Voice that speaks.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime fan of Christian music, an avid music collector, and credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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