(pic from the Jesus film)
Life is full of storms. Some rage in our personal lives—financial struggles, broken relationships, health battles—while others loom over the world at large, like political division, cultural shifts, and global uncertainties.
It’s easy to get swept up in fear and frustration, complaining about the winds and waves around us.
But as believers, we have a choice.
In prayer, I once asked Jesus to give me a picture of perfect peace. He took me to the story of Him fast asleep in the midst of the boat in the storm.
See Mark 4:35-41.
Wait.
Before you say, “I’ve heard this story a million times….”
Let the Holy Spirit highlight something perhaps new in this story.
For example, I’ve been pondering how: the storm DID NOT wake Jesus.
Only the disciples could wake Jesus... (There’s tons in this alone.)
The Storm and the Saviour
In Mark 4, Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a furious storm arose. The waves crashed against the boat, threatening to sink them. While the disciples panicked, Jesus was asleep. Overcome with fear, they woke Him up, crying out, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38).
Jesus didn’t rebuke the disciples for waking Him; He rebuked the storm. With a simple command—“Peace! Be still!”—the wind died down, and there was complete calm (Mark 4:39). Then He turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
Turning to Jesus Instead of Complaining or Panicking
When storms hit today—whether in our personal lives or the chaos of the world—we often react like the disciples. We let fear and frustration take over. We complain about the state of politics, the decline of culture, or the uncertainties of the future.
But Jesus invites us to do something different.
Instead of panicking, we can remember He is in our boat and we can turn to Him. Instead of adding to the noise of fear, we can seek His voice. Instead of focusing on the waves, we can focus on the One who commands the storm.
What happened to me today…
Today, I went for a short hike in the woods after I met with clients in the morning. The wind picked up and I heard the trees banging against each other. I saw big trees had fallen down and I was beginning to wonder if I was not safe. Panic was trying to enter.
Then, I remembered reading this story JUST this morning!
So, I prayed: “Jesus, I ask you to rebuke the wind!”
Do you know what happened?
The wind that was howling completely stopped. I was safely able to walk through the woods completely feeling peace.
THAT got my attention!
(Later in the day, after supper my husband said to me, “Did you notice how the winds stopped?” I got to share with him what happened!)
I came home from my hike with my dog and pondered this story some more.
This time in the context of our current world situations and storms…
Ways to Go Straight to Jesus in the Storm
- Go to Jesus First, Not Last
Before venting frustration about problems (no matter how big or small), take them to Jesus. Let Him be your first response, not your last resort. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - Speak Peace, Not Panic
Jesus didn’t add to the storm; He silenced it. We are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). In conversations about politics or world issues, choose to speak life, hope, and truth rather than fear, overwhelm and division. - Anchor in His Word, Not the News
If we spend more time in the Word of God than consuming news and social media, our perspective shifts. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” The more we fix our eyes on Jesus, the less the storm can shake us. I love the rest of that verse which says God will be exalted among the earth, and among the nations. All we have to do is be still and know that HE is God, in order for Him to be exalted. That’s a paradigm shift for many of us. - Trust His Sovereignty
Jesus was never worried about the storm because He knew He had authority over it. God is still in control today, no matter how chaotic things seem. We may be familiar with Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
BUT… notice also the two verses just before this…
“…the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” (Verses 26 and 27.)
Do not disregard this: the Holy Spirit knows how to guide our prayers, and pleads for us to the Father who makes all things work for good.
The Invitation to Peace
The storm didn’t wake Jesus—the cries of His disciples did. He cares when we feel overwhelmed, but He also calls us to trust Him. Whatever storm is raging around you today, be alert to NOT first go to panic or complain about it—go straight to Jesus. He is in the boat with you, and His peace is more powerful than any storm.
Let’s be people who seek Jesus first, trust Him fully, and walk in His peace, even when the waves rise.
What storm are you facing today?
Do you have difficult people and situations in your life?
How can you invite Jesus into it?
Dig Deeper:
“God, Show Me What You See” is a timely book, divided into 3 powerful parts:
Part 1—See the massive power of our words over our nations, ourselves, and those around us. (Includes beautiful stories of incredible transformation.)
Part 2—101 words of encouragement to lift up and inspire. (Emails come in regularly about these words that were penned after praying for YOU the reader!)
Part 3—How to pray for difficult people and handle criticism & slander coming at you! (This part is like a secret golden weapon.)
Learn more at: www.merriellen.com/101wordsbook
Merri Ellen Giesbrecht / www.merriellen.com
Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box 
Leave a comment