“He hushes the storm to a calm and to a gentle whisper, so that the waves of the sea are still.”
Psalm 107:29 AMPC
“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).”
Mark 4:39 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
Each of these passages describes a storm over water. Storms over bodies of water can spring up unexpectedly, bringing fierce winds and monstrous waves that can quickly swamp boats and cause them to sink. Nature often reveals its power over us, reminding us just how fragile life is.
However, in both these passages, we see Who is more powerful than the winds and waves. God reveals an aspect of His grace through these scriptures. He commands all nature, and it obeys Him without question. He speaks a word, and winds cease, and waves still immediately. Hush! Be still! Powerful words that bring calm, quietness, and peacefulness.
A Touch of Grace:
What storms in life are you currently facing?
Where will you turn for comfort and shelter through the storm?
Grace Application:
Life echoes these verses. Storms in life often spring up without warning bringing winds of adversity and waves that overwhelm. We may find ourselves pulled under as uncertainty comes crashing down like a tidal wave, trying to drag us out to sea without a life preserver.
Unexpected circumstances, interrupted plans, and shattered dreams are all storms that can cause anxiety, suffering, confusion, and pain. God, in His infinite mercy, could command the winds and waves of this storm to HUSH! BE STILL! But sometimes He doesn’t. His ways are often beyond our understanding, and trying to figure them out can cause even more distress.
It’s hard to keep our thoughts calm when chaos is swirling around us. When we focus on winds and waves bombarding us, life seems out of control. And in many ways, it is out of our control. However, it’s never beyond His control.
Life may be crashing upon rocks that seem intent upon destruction; however, the Lord has a different perspective. He sees beyond the storm and knows its purpose. He knows what each wave of anxiety, pain, and suffering is doing to our souls. His desire is for us to turn to Him, to seek Him as the winds blow and the waves crash. God’s word can calm hearts filled with fear and still anxious thoughts. And though the howling winds may make it hard to hear His voice, the Creator of the universe is near to all who call upon Him. When He speaks, even the winds and waves obey. When we turn our minds to the truth found in Scripture, His gracious words can make even the fiercest storms be still.
At the end of Psalm 107, verse 43, we are told, “Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.” Consider all the Lord has done in your life, lean on His word, and though the winds may still howl, His grace can still your heart even in the storm.
Gracious Prayer:
Abba Father, I come to you in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful for Your grace that stills even the fiercest storms. Forgive me when I let anxiety and fear rule my heart instead of seeking comfort in Your word. Help me remember that nothing is out of Your control, and all nature must obey Your commands. Teach me to lean on You through the storms life brings so that my heart is calm and my thoughts are still, knowing Your steadfast love will sustain me.
**Today, as you read this, I pray you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubt, please call out to God, so 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**