He can calm your storms
“And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” ~ Mark 4:41
Have you ever faced a moment when everything around you seemed out of control? One moment life felt steady, then suddenly the winds of trouble began to rise up out of no where. The situation grew more intense, the pressure increased, and questions began to fill your mind. Where is God in the middle of this? Does He see what I am going through?
In Mark chapter 4 we read about a moment like this in the lives of the disciples. Jesus had just told them that they were going to cross over to the other side of the sea. As they began the journey, a powerful windstorm arose and the waves began filling the boat with water. The disciples tried to manage the crisis on their own, but the situation quickly overwhelmed them. Meanwhile Jesus was in the back of the boat, sleeping peacefully while the storm raged.
Finally, the disciples cried out to Him for help. Jesus stood up and spoke directly to the wind and the waves, and immediately the storm became calm. The disciples were amazed because they realized that the power inside the boat was far greater than the forces outside of it.
There are a few important details in this passage that help us understand how to walk through our own storms. In many ways the disciples were experiencing three storms at the same time. The first storm was the physical storm around them, the wind and the waves threatening their safety. The second storm was the emotional storm inside them, fear and panic were rising as the situation worsened. The third storm was a spiritual struggle, they began to question where Jesus was in the middle of their crisis.
Before the storm ever began, Jesus had already given them His word that they were going to the other side of the lake. In the middle of the chaos they forgot the promise that had already been spoken over their journey.
This is often how storms unfold in our lives as well. We face the external pressure of the situation itself. We wrestle with the internal emotions that come with uncertainty. Then the deeper questions appear. Where is God in this moment, and does He care about what I am facing?
The answer is the same one the disciples discovered. When they called on Jesus, He responded. He spoke peace over the situation, and the storm lost its power.
The truth is that we do not have to wait until our boat is completely full of water before we call on Him. We can turn to Him the moment the winds begin to blow. Many times, He will calm the storm inside our hearts before He changes the circumstances around us.
Here are some practical ways to anchor your heart when you find yourself in the middle of a storm.
• Cultivate God’s presence through worship. Take time to put on worship music and focus your attention on Him. Lift your hands and speak words of gratitude and surrender. Worship shifts your focus from the size of the storm to the greatness of God.
• Hold on to the promises found in Scripture. Psalm 119:81 reminds us to hope in God’s Word. Spend time reading His promises and speaking them over your situation. The more you fill your heart with His truth, the stronger your faith becomes.
• Call on Jesus early in the struggle. Prayer invites God into the situation from the very beginning. Speak honestly with Him about what you are facing and ask for His wisdom and peace.
• Allow God to strengthen your heart during the process. Romans chapter 5 shows us that challenges can produce endurance and maturity in our lives. Difficult seasons often reveal areas where our faith can grow stronger.
When we practice these steps, something begins to change within us. The storm may still be happening around us, but our hearts begin to experience a deep sense of peace. God’s presence becomes more real than the tempestuous circumstances we are facing.
Today I want to encourage you to remember the promises Jesus spoke over you before your storm ever begins. Just as He told the disciples they were going to the other side, His Word over your life is still true even when the winds begin to rise. Call on Him, trust His promises, and allow His peace to settle your heart. The One who commands the wind and the sea is with you, and His presence is greater than any storm you will ever face.
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 4:35-41
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.”
36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Journal:
- What storm or challenge am I currently facing in my life?
- What promise from God’s Word can strengthen my faith during this season?
- How can I create space today to worship and focus on God’s presence?
- In what ways might God be strengthening my faith through this experience?
- What step can I take today to trust God more fully in the middle of this situation?
The Daily Dose 