Calming the Storms—Scripture Reflection #014

Mark 4:37-39 (New Living Translation)

37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. 38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t You care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

Oftentimes, we find ourselves in storms where we feel like the whole boat is going down with us in it. In these storms, we often focus on the circumstances around us- the winds and the waves- and forget how in each one, God has brought us through. Perhaps we were traumatized by what happened and struggle to see how our current circumstances will be any different.

I think that we can find peace and rest in these storms when we acknowledge the wind and waves but choose to trust in God instead. The storm will still be there, yes. But now our focus is different. Instead of just seeing how big the waves are or feeling how strong the winds are blowing, we see the God who holds both in His hands and know that we are safe in His care.

With this new perspective, we can navigate through the storms of life with confidence, like a seasoned sailor, because we know that no storm is too big or strong for God.

The Question: Are you currently going through a storm? Can you remember a time when God brought you (or someone you know) out of a similar storm?