“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Mark 4:35-41 (NKJV)
Mark 4:35-41 (NKJV)
Jesus and His disciples faced a life-threatening challenge: there was a bad storm and their boat was filling up with water, which means it was sinking. The disciples, some of whom were experienced sailors, were panicking but Jesus was actually fast asleep, in the midst of the storm. Eventually the fear-filled disciples woke Jesus up asking Him if He even cared! But Jesus obviously did care; He was just resting and wasn’t going to lose any peace over the situation. Peace isn’t the absence of problems; it’s being secure in the midst of turmoil.
Are you in a really bad storm? Does it feel like your boat is filling up with water and you’re going down? God wants you to experience supernatural peace like Jesus did, no matter what storm you’re going through!
We all face storms in life, some of which can be life-threatening, but we don’t have to lose sleep or peace over it. Our hearts should be at such a deep place of rest in God (trust in Him) that we experience peace and joy no matter what. From this passage of Scripture we can learn a few things regarding how to deal with the storms that come up against us.
“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose…”
Mark 4:35-37 (NKJV)
One of the most important things to note is that Jesus was in the boat with them. If you’re a Christian, Jesus is in your boat with you. You may feel like He’s not there, but the truth is that He is. He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5), He lives in you (1 Corinthians 3:16) and He is greater than anything that could come against you (Romans 8:31; 1 John 4:4). Therefore, there is always hope. And He isn’t sleeping in your boat – He’s on watch and on call 24/7 (Psalm 121:4) ready and willing to help you (Psalm 23:4).
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV)
No matter how terrifying the storm may be, don’t focus on it. Focusing on the storm will only fill you with fear. As long as you’re focused on your problems you don’t have the capacity to focus on Jesus. When you’re focused on Jesus, your heart doesn’t have the capacity to be filled with fear. Don’t focus on the problems; focus on the Saviour who is with you. You will not experience peace until you take your attention off of the storm and focus on the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Not only will Jesus lead you into victory (2 Corinthians 2:14) but He will also comfort you, strengthen you and help you (Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 66:13; 2 Corinthians 1:4).
Thought to focus on for the day:
Jesus is with you! Choose to focus on Him and His Word and not on the problems and challenges that you have. When you focus on Jesus and His promises your heart will be filled with faith.
SCRIPTURES FOR MEDITATION:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”
Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)
Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)
“I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken… 5 Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.”
Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8 (HCSB)