The Storms
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” – Matthew 8:23-27
This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. I relate to this on such deep levels! I don’t know about you, but I completely understand the fear that the disciples had when being on a boat in the midst of such a terrible storm.
How would you feel if you were on that boat? We Floridians know that being out on the water during a terrible storm is dangerous. Yet, Jesus was entirely unaffected by the storm. He was so peaceful that He was sleeping!!! (Side note - the Bible says that the storm was so bad that waves were crashing over the boat. I get this image of Jesus laying there, getting soaked from the waves, yet still sleeping haha!)
This is the kind of faith I want to have. Even when there is a nasty storm going on, I am still about to find rest and peace, just as Jesus did on that boat.
Philippians 4:4 reminds us to “rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice!” That means in all circumstances good or bad, we are called to rejoice.
You may be thinking, “How can I possibly rejoice when everything is going so wrong?” I understand that thought because I have been there more times than I’d like to admit. I know that it’s hard to praise God when you feel like He should be doing so much more in your situation. I know that it’s hard talking to Him when you don’t know what to say. Maybe you don’t even know how to rejoice right now. Maybe you’re so worn out you have nothing left to give. And if that’s you today, I want you to read this very clearly: you are seen, you are heard, you are valued, and you are loved!
Just remember that through our trials and tribulations, God is making us stronger and He is drawing us so near to Him. (Romans 5:3-5). This season will produce perseverance and strength, and this season too, shall come to pass.
Journal Prompt:
When was the last time you were going through a storm? What was your response in the midst of that storm? How did you navigate trusting God even when life got hard?
Ref: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 1 Peter 5:10, Romans 5:3-5
