“He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” Psalm 107:29.

A storm is defined as a violent disturbance of the atmosphere- an interruption with strong winds, heavy rains, thunder, lightning, or snow- that unsettles the peace. This definition provides a pretty accurate analogy for the trials and tribulations we often encounter in life: storms that come so suddenly when we are calm, and everything is going well. But we have this assurance that the Captain of our souls is always on board and gently rocks us through the storm! “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” Psalm 107:29.

In Matthew chapter fourteen, we find the account of Jesus feeding the multitude- immediately afterward, Jesus commanded His disciples to go across to the other side of the sea without Him, but as they sailed across, they encountered a turmulterous storm…verse 24 states: “But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.” The timing added to the fear, anxiety, and hopelessness that the disciples felt…for the bible said it was the fourth watch of the night, the period between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., the darkest hours before dawn!

The storms of life hit us just like the storm the disciples were caught up in, suddenly out of nowhere. Most of the time, the circumstances surrounding the storm are not known to us. But just as in the account of the disciples, we can rest in the fact that Jesus orders our steps-He sends us on this journey of life. 

Did Jesus know what the disciples would encounter as they embarked on this journey to the other side? Most certainly, He did, and what was His response? There they were fearful in the face of danger, and possible imminent death, but the word of the Lord tells us that Jesus went to them! “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.” Matthew 14:25.

This should bring peace, comfort, and hope to  our weary souls when we face the storms of life that can so easily take us down that lonely road to fear and anxiety about what comes next. What really comes next, my friends? JESUS– He shows up, someone said… He’s never late but right on time! matter of fact, because He is omniscient, He will never leave us, nor forsake us! “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ Psalm 23:2-4.

If by chance you think things could not have gotten any worse, that night the disciples thought they saw a ghost! But Jesus alleviated their fears: “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” Matthew 14:27. 

If the storms of life have you facing fears of the unknown, wondering when or how the Lord will come through…be not afraid, for Jesus is nigh! Praise be to God, His promises are faithful and true, and He will deliver us out of the midst of the storm! “and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20b. 

God’s blessings of peace, love, and amazing grace be with you all.