In the Bible there is a story about a storm. There was panic, fear, a sense of betrayal, anxiety… all the feelings many of us feel in the stormy times of life. The story is found in Mark 4:35-41…
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 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.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
So how can we experience peace in the midst of our storms and problems in life?
1. We Have To Trust In The Word of God
Here Jesus is giving commands, He is speaking. He commands the very sea. God’s Word to us in the Bible is Him speaking. We have to trust His word. The answers to what we are concerned about are found there. I’m guilty of looking everywhere else for answers and missing what God has already given to me in His Word!
2. Decide NOT To Stay In Fear
365 times in the Bible we read do not fear or do not be afraid… That’s one for every day! We kill fear by faith. Believing God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do!
Jesus asked the folks, “Why are you afraid?” They were not alone, He was in the boat with them!
3. Be Assured Of God’s Goodness
The disciples asked Jesus, “Don’t you care that we are drowning?” Of course He does – He rebuked the winds, there was calm!
God loves you and cares about every situation you are going through. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your care (anxieties) on Him, because He cares for you!”
God always means good for us even when He takes us or allows us to go through storms in life. He loves you!
4. Recognize God Is In Control
Jesus rebuked the winds and they listened to Him! He is more than able… recognize He is in control!
Matt Surber's Blog 