The Lessons of “Jaws” and Divine Peace

Back in the mid-1970s, Steven Spielberg directed a movie named “Jaws.” It’s a story about a massive shark that terrorizes swimmers along the New England coast. The film features a rather grumpy boat captain, a police chief, and a scientist who embark on a perilous journey to find this elusive creature. Ultimately, they never spot the shark, and things get tense for them. The police chief famously declares, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat!” It’s a classic line, really.

Now, imagine if those three men had been aboard something larger—like the Seawise Giant, which is, by the way, the biggest ship ever constructed. This vessel was over four soccer fields long and weighed upward of 564,000 tons. Quite the sight, huh?

If they had been up on the deck of an oil tanker and seen that giant shark, their reaction would likely have changed. Sure, they might have noticed it, chatted about it, maybe even snapped a quick picture. But fear? That would probably have been absent. They’d feel secure on that massive ship.

Life can feel a bit like navigating through waters filled with sharks. They strike, they wound, they consume—but they can’t destroy you, not when you’re safely aboard your own vessel, the Living God. He’s got your back, guiding you with His plans and supporting you with His grace.

Max Lucado has a way of reminding us of this peace amid chaos.

If you think you’re facing your troubles entirely alone, genuine peace might seem elusive. But if you recognize that you’re confronting these challenges primarily in the presence of the Lord, you can experience joy knowing that you’re filled with His essence.

The sea of life is swimming with sharks. They attack, gouge, and devour. But they cannot destroy you.

Jesus reassures us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled.” He essentially contrasts two types of peace: one shaped by worldly circumstances and the peace that comes from Him.

The peace the world hands out depends on so many factors. Perfect weather, smooth traffic, a bullish stock market, and a happy spouse—all “ifs” that can be undone in an instant.

So, is your peace conditional—like a chain linked to “if?”

Jesus offers His peace, not just a facsimile. He’s offering the real deal, entirely His own.

There’s a powerful image I recall from Chicago O’Hare. The airport was chaotic—thunder rumbled outside, tension filled the air, and passengers weren’t at all happy, especially as delays piled up.

What a scene. Almost everyone was staving off irritation. But then, I spotted a mother nearby, serenely singing to her baby, peacefully nursing. There was this undeniable calm radiating from that infant, who, despite the surrounding chaos, found peace in the warmth and presence of his mother.

When we think of that airport moment, do you feel like the anxious traveler or the resting toddler?

God desires to provide us with the peace akin to what that mother gives her child: warmth, nourishment, and assurance. Borrowing from Philippians 4:7, we can shake off our fears and let His peace guard our hearts.

Whenever you’re seeking peace, trust in God.