Life will throw storms at you of all varieties. You may find yourself facing health challenges that are overwhelming. Because of someone else’s decisions, a relationship may be in crisis. Due to changes in your company, you may lose your job. Circumstances and life events bring storms of many kinds.
How can you be calm in the midst of the storm?
Jesus and his disciples were in a boat one day on the Sea of Galilee. A furious storm came up on the sea, and the winds and waves were beating against the vessel. The seasoned fishermen in the boat and the others were afraid they were going to drown. What was Jesus doing? He was asleep in the boat!
How could Jesus be peacefully resting, calm in the midst of the storm? There is only one reason: Jesus knew that everything was going to be OK because God was in control of the storm. Jesus was at peace. He was calm. He did not get anxious. He was not worried.
So what about you? When life’s storms come your way, are you at peace and calm, or are you anxious and worried? As followers of Jesus, you can look to heaven, dive deep into God’s Word, and learn from the example of Jesus. Remain calm in the midst of the storm. Hold on to Jesus. Pray to him. Ask him to give you peace. He will.
Jesus has the power to calm the storm around you, and he will do so if it is his will. Jesus also is able to calm the storm in your heart and mind, even if the external storm continues. He will give you peace and strength in the midst of the storm. He will keep you calm.
A word to spiritual leaders: If you have a group of people around you that are going through storms — perhaps your family, your friends, your small group, your church — then help them to remain calm in the midst of the storm. Lead by example. Encourage them. Speak words of hope to them. Help them to stay focused on Jesus and God’s power over the storm.
To everyone: I hear you. Your storms are real. It’s the friend that has turned their back on you. The family member that says they don’t care about you anymore. The boss that overlooked you for a promotion. The coach that cut you from the team. The news from the doctor that you didn’t want to hear. The bills that are so big you don’t know how they will ever get paid. God knows about your storms. He’s right there with you. He cares. He’s calm. He’s in control. Trust in him. Have faith in him. Remain calm in the midst of the storm.
Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, when evening had come, he told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the sea.” 36 So they left the crowd and took him along since he was in the boat. And other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!?” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 And they were terrified and asked one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!?”