“And a furious storm of wind [of hurricane proportions] arose, and the waves kept beating into the boat, so that it was already becoming filled. But He [Himself] was in the stern [of the boat], asleep on the [leather] cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we are perishing? And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm (a perfect peacefulness). He said to them, Why are you so timid and fearful? How is it that you have no faith (no firmly relying trust)? And they were filled with great awe and feared exceedingly and said one to another, Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?”
Mark 4:37-41 AMPC
“Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He hushes the storm to a calm and to a gentle whisper, so that the waves of the sea are still. Then the men are glad because of the calm, and He brings them to their desired haven.”
Psalm 107: 28-30 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
Stillness…silence…peace. In the passage from Mark, the disciples in the boat with Jesus felt anything but calm. Even though Immanuel (the Prince of Peace) was in the boat with them. Jesus was fast asleep, trusting His Father to get them across the stormy sea. As the storm increased in intensity, the disciples grew fearful. They had witnessed Jesus healing a man whose hand was withered and heard His teaching in parables, yet they still weren’t sure of Christ’s identity.
With a stern word of rebuke, Jesus caused the winds and the waves to be still. This was not a gradual calming of a storm but an immediate cessation of the chaotic winds and waves that threatened to sink the boat. Great calm fell over the sea because the One who created them commanded obedience, and they obeyed the Master’s voice.
The disciples were filled with awe and fear as they wondered Who was in the boat with them. As they cried to the Lord in their distress, He calmed the storm, bringing them safely to their destination. Soon they would realize that Jesus was indeed the Messiah that they had been waiting for, and He would deliver them from much a more significant threat, their sin. One day, after suffering additional stormy trials, He would graciously still the storms of life and bring them to be with Him in Heaven.
A Touch of Grace:
What storm is raging in your life today?
Where do you turn to find stillness?
Grace Application:
Stillness and quiet are something I long to experience more of. How about you? As the year draws to a close, I’m reminded of the many storms that erupted through the past few months. With the ongoing threats presented by COVID, the death of loved ones, financial strains caused by the increased cost of living, strained relationships, a country that is becoming increasingly divided by ideals, a world in chaos,…the list goes on.
There have been many days I have cried to the Lord in my distress, seeking His comfort and peace to still the wind of anxiety and waves of fear that threatened to overwhelm my weary mind and body. This year has brought a storm of emotions that could have caused me to sink into a pit of despair, but I clung to the promises found in Scripture. As my precious Momma lay dying, I reminded myself that she was going to be with Him and would no longer suffer the devastated affects of Alzheimer’s. Though I miss her every day, and the Holidays have been tough, I know she is in the presence of our Savior.
Storms may be on the horizon, but the One who forms them can strengthen us to endure the winds and waves of adversity. We can’t be sure what today or tomorrow holds, but we can hold fast to the truth that whenever we are in the midst of a storm, we can call on the Lord, and even if we are in the eye of the storm, He will calm our hearts and minds with the peace that passes all understanding, when we seek Him. So call on Him today, even if you’re not in a storm, and let His presence calm your heart and graciously still your fears with the promise that He is near to those who call on His mighty name.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, the One Who stills the winds and waves of fear and anxiety when storms arise in my life. Forgive me when I allow myself to sink under the waves of doubt and uncertainty. Help me to cling to You whenever I am afraid. Lord Jesus, thank You for always being present with me and graciously stilling my stormy thoughts to hear Your word, which calms my heart. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**