The silvery clouds, the color of sleigh bells, snaked from the sky as tentacles from the body of a Portuguese Man-o-War, floating deceptively docile upon a sea of powder blue. In moments the clouds began to take on a shade of slate and bits of sunlight battled with the darkness that rolled across the waters. I knew the light would eventually win the war, but today the darkness would prevail. In this knowledge, serenity settled over me. I pulled the fluffy throw to my waist and lifted the steaming cup of tea to my lips with a tranquil sigh.
I like rain but I relish thunderstorms. However, that appreciation is conditional. There is something peaceful and comforting to me when I am tucked securely away inside my home and can view storms from the safety of my comfy chair, my feet resting on the coordinating ottoman, with a good book and cup of hot tea or cocoa as my faithful companions. The thunder and lightning rage around me, hail may pound upon the earth, but I am dry and nothing can hurt me, for I am encased in safety.
In much the same way, when the storms of life rage around or within us-and they will-we have a protector. We are tucked safe away inside the hands of the Almighty God. Peace rests with us as we rest in Him.
Once, when Jesus and the disciples were in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, a violent storm arose. The waters became rough and the waves were so high they crashed into the side of the hull and went over and into the boat. This must have been a colossal squall! These guys had been out here many times before. This is where they did most of their fishing. It was their business. As fishermen, they knew the Sea of Galilee was prone to sudden and brutal storms. But, on this day, the disciples were afraid!
Jesus, peace himself, was asleep. They woke him up. I don’t think it wasn’t a gentle rousing. They were probably shaking him and yelling and throwing out a few choice words.
“We’re about to die! Don’t you even care?”
Jesus woke up and asked the guys, “Hey, guys, where’s your faith?” But he spoke to the storm! “Peace! Be Still!”
I’ve been in storms a couple of times while fishing, in which the waves were coming over the boat. It is terrifying! I’ll admit I probably would have been the first one trying to wake up Jesus, unless, of course, I was cowered down in the bottom of the boat with my hands over my head!
I think we can learn several things from the disciple’s experience. Sometimes, like the disciples, we may feel that a storm is raging all around us or even within us, and think Jesus is asleep. You may not hear his voice. He may seem far from you. It is okay to call out for help. In fact, He tells us to. He is there, you need only believe. He he is closer than the air you breathe.
“…call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” “I hold you by your right hand-I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you’. Psalm 50:15 and Isaiah 41:13
There are other times, however, we may need to speak to the storm ourselves, “Peace, be still.” Or we may need to speak to our hearts and minds as the storm rages, “Peace, be still.”
Trust He will keep you safe inside His mighty hand of protection. Psalm 91:4 declares, “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
The thunder may roar, the lightening may strike. Tragedy may surround you, but remain in Peace, remain in Him! He may not always command the storms to cease, but He will always be present with you in the midst of the storm. He will be your peace, for He is peace. Hold fast to Him! Cling to Him, for my dear one, I know for sure He holds onto you!
Jamie Lyn's Inkwell 