“He stilled the storms to a whisper; the waves of the sea hushed.” Psalm 107:29 (NLT)

Every time I look at the ocean, I am reminded how mighty our God is. Sitting on the sand I feel so small compared to the vastness before me. The waves I love to hear lapping the shore can change to white caps that crash the beach with a deafening sound quickly.

Just like life.

It is beautiful, peaceful and full of opportunities for fun. And dark, unsettled, and filled with unknowns.  What do we do when we feel like a little dinghy out in the middle of the sea? We hold on. He will either quiet our storm or get in the boat with us and help us ride the waves. What we don’t want to do is get out too soon. Leaving the boat means leaving our life preserver – Jesus.

In three of the gospels – Matthew, Mark and Luke – we read about a time when the storm was raging and the disciples panicked. Several of these men were seasoned fishermen so we know this was more than a squall.

“One day he and his disciples got in a boat. “Let’s cross the lake,” he said. And off they went. It was smooth sailing, and he fell asleep. A terrific storm came up suddenly on the lake. Water poured in, and they were about to capsize. They woke Jesus: “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” Getting to his feet, he told the wind, “Silence!” and the waves, “Quiet down!” They did it. The lake became smooth as glass. Then he said to his disciples, “Why can’t you trust me?” They were in absolute awe, staggered and stammering, “Who is this, anyway? He calls out to the winds and sea, and they do what he tells them!” (Luke 8:22-25 MSG)

This storm was like so many storms in our lives…

They were living life. – Then – Just taking a little ride across the lake with Jesus.

Today – We are doing life as best as we can.

Life was smooth sailing. – Then – All was well.

Today –  Life is good. Family is good. We are happy.

The storm hit suddenly.  – Then – They knew the Sea of Galilee’s history but maybe since they had Jesus, they wouldn’t have to endure the storms. It caught them by surprise.

Today – We are just living life and then our blue skies turn cloudy fast and the downpour begins. Sometimes that downpour turns into a hurricane.

We feel like we are drowning. – Then – The water poured in.

Today – We are wadding through water that is on the rise.

Jesus seems quite.  – Then – He was resting while they were panicking.

Today –  Lord do You hear our cries for help? Do we need to wake You up?

Timeless Truth…

He is in control. –  He spoke. – It literally only takes a word, a thought from Jesus and the situation changes dramatically. And, ours can too.

He wants us to trust Him. The disciples had seen him perform miracles and wonders. They had heard him teach and reveal his character – just as you and I have. When the storm is raging and our boat is rocking, He still asks the question: “Why can’t you trust Me?”

His power still brings awe.

We live in a storm filled world. If you are riding out a storm today, stay in the boat with Jesus. He alone has the power to speak calm over our circumstances. The more we watch Him work, the more we learn about His character.  In the process of calming our little corner of the world, He will teach us a little more about trust, faith and love.

May I pray for you?

Jesus we are in a storm! We didn’t expect it and now we feel as if we are drowning. Ride with us Lord and speak calm over the waves of despair that threaten to overtake us. We tremble but we move forward. We hear You ask us, “Why can’t you trust Me?” We trust You Lord. We call out in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Joining in with some other great writers today: