The Storms of Life

Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Mark 4:36-39

Last week, the West Coast was bombarded by storms and high winds and waves crashing along the shoreline. In the news I saw how the waves were crashing into a group of bystanders in Ventura. Some of the businesses along the west coast were shut down and were without power.

Not only do we experience physical storms but storms come into all of our lives. Sometimes these storms come out of nowhere. Unexpected sickness or a grim diagnosis, the passing of a loved one. Like the disciples caught in the storm on the Sea of Galilee, we can feel overwhelmed by these trials as if our boat is sinking.

When the storms came to the disciples they questioned if Jesus cared about them. They asked, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” They were filled with doubts because they forgot who was in the boat with them.

Following Jesus does not insulate us from life’s storms, but we can take comfort from knowing that God promises to hold us fast through them. He can calm our hearts and quiet the very storms themselves.

Thought For Today: God does not prevent the storms of life from coming but he does promise us his presence in the midst of them. God can quiet our hearts and calm our fears. Do you believe that Jesus is able to deal with the storms of your life?

Today’s Prayer Focus: Thank God as Psalm 46:1 says, “A very present help in times of trouble.” Pray that God will teach you to trust in Him through your storms and calm your anxious souls. Deo Volente.