How Jesus Calms Our Storms
In three out of the four gospels - Matthew, Mark, and Luke - we read about Jesus sending the disciples onto a boat into the Sea of Galilee, only for an unforeseen storm to head their way. Despite Jesus being near them, fear overpowered the disciples to the point they believed they would die. (Luke 8:24)
Jesus calms the storm and the faith of the disciples is restored.
Many of us live our lives this way. We go about our days then a storm brews up and unexpected things happen to us. We let fear, doubt, anger, and sorrow seep in us despite knowing that God is with us. The disciples’ lack of faith reminds us that even those who were with Jesus and got to witness Him in the flesh, still found it difficult to be faith-filled all the time. In a way, there’s not much of a difference between the disciples and us.
If Jesus can calm the storm that nearly killed the disciples, He is also capable of rescuing us from the everyday storms, such as sickness, relationship problems, unemployment, and even death.
The truth is, God never promised that we will never encounter a storm. In fact, He very much tells us that we will encounter trouble and pain. But, He promises us that He will be with us in the storm.
While the disciples were in the boat, Jesus had fallen behind to rest. Jesus was human too and needed to rest His body for the journey. However, Jesus knew the storm was coming. He was in deep sleep while the storm was happening (Mark 4:37-38), because He knew the Lord was with Him.
The Bible states “If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)
God is omnipresent and can make anything obey - including “winds and water.” With one quick word from Christ, the storm went away and the sea became calm (Mark 4:39).
So, how do you let Jesus calm your storms?
Pray. Talk to God, bring Him your storms. No storm is too big nor too small.
Read the Bible, daily. If you can, squeeze it in the morning and at night.
Listen to sermons and worship music.
Surround yourself with faith-filled people.
Serve others. Jesus came to this world to serve and it brought Him joy. We can find joy when helping others.
Rest. If your body is telling you to rest, you take rest. It doesn’t do us any good if we are burnt out and our bodies are ill.
If He can calm the storms with one word, He can calm the storms of our lives as well. You find peace when you rest your faith in God for He shall not forsake us nor leave us. Faith in Christ is never misplaced. This is comforting to know as a Christian in a storm.