I was listening to the song “Peace, Be Still” sung by Hope Darst the other day, and thinking about when Jesus calmed the storm in Mark 4. The world right now often feels like we are in the middle of a storm, as it rages around us with all its fury and confusion. We can begin to feel as though everything is out of control, and we are just floating over each wave as we are pelted with rain.
Many of the disciples who were with Jesus were fisherman, so the sea was not a foreign place to them. They spent a large part of their lives understanding the weather, knowing when fishing was best and dealing with boats on the sea. This storm sent them all into a fright, which made me consider a couple of things.
The first is that this was unlike any storm the disciples had experienced. They were certain they were going to die. For fisherman who had been on the sea their whole lives, that must have been quite a storm! Much like the current time for us, it can feel completely overwhelming and crazy when we are going through something unlike anything we have experienced before. We can acknowledge that others have been through incredibly difficult things before us, but for us, it can feel quite intimidating. Jesus, however, is not surprised, confused or overwhelmed. He was so comfortable in the middle of this crazy storm that He could sleep through it! That’s some peace!
The second thing I noticed was how the disciples had watched Jesus heal people, cast out demons and perform several miracles prior to this storm. It wasn’t as though they didn’t realize He had power. But this was the first time that the miracle had personally affected them. Before they had watched Jesus heal others in their suffering, but now the disciples were suffering themselves and fearing death in a place that felt like home to them. They were amazed at His ability to even control the waves and weather.
I have watched God be so kind in His gentle leading with me to guide me deeper and deeper with Him. He shows me His faithfulness in others’ suffering, and then reminds me that He is present and active in mine as well. Even the places I have not experienced and the storms that feel overwhelming are not too much for Him. God is at work calming the storm around us, and we can learn to trust Him in it.
Whether the issue is a virus, racial tension, political mayhem, family dynamics, war or anything else, God is faithful and He is providing us everything we need for each day. Entrust what is most precious to Him, waiting to see how He will take you deeper in your relationship with Him.
The song I referenced at the beginning of this post has some great lyrics I wanted to post here as it pertains to this:
I don't want to be afraid
Every time I face the waves
I don't want to be afraid
I don't want to be afraid
I don't want to fear the storm
Just because I hear the roar
I don't want to fear the storm
I don't want to fear the storm
Peace be still
Say the word and I will
Set my feet upon the sea
Till I'm dancing in the deep
Oh peace be still
You are here so it is well
Even when my eyes can't see
I will trust the voice that speaks
I'm not gonna be afraid
'Cause these waves are only waves
I'm not gonna be afraid
I'm not gonna be afraid
I'm not gonna fear the storm
You are greater than it's roar
I'm not gonna fear the storm
I'm not gonna fear at all
One of my favorite lines in this is “I’m not gonna be afraid ‘cause these waves are only waves.” The waves don’t have to have power over you—you can turn away from them and focus on Jesus. Whatever storm you face today, you don’t need to be afraid because God is greater than the storm, and brings peace in the middle of the fury.
Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10