Finding Peace In the Storm
Life can sometimes feel like a furious storm, much like the one described in Mark 4:35-41. Imagine being on a small boat when suddenly a violent squall arises. Waves crash over the sides and the boat is nearly swamped. Panic sets in among the disciples.
But Jesus?
He’s asleep in the back, on a cushion, completely at peace.
Why isn’t Jesus panicking? Why doesn’t He respond to the storm the way the disciples do? This isn’t just a random nap; Jesus has deliberately chosen to rest. He’s not ignoring the storm or unaware of the danger—they’re headed toward Gentile country to minister and He knows what’s coming. But He also knows who He is and the power He holds. Jesus resting in the storm is a picture of supreme confidence in his heavenly Father’s plan and His own authority.
I’m reminded of my youngest child. He recently started back to school and came home tired. I found him later that afternoon in his bedroom. He had fallen asleep. But it wasn’t the kind of sleep that comes over you while you’re playing with toys or when you accidentally fall asleep on the couch. Nope. He was in his bed. Covers pulled up to his chin. Pajamas on. Curtains drawn. Fan blowing. This was thought through. Planned. Intentional. That kind of sleep doesn’t just happen by chance—it’s a choice, a surrender to rest. The fact that Jesus was asleep on a cushion tells us this wasn’t accidental. He was settling in for a good sleep–it was a choice to be at rest.
Peace isn’t the absence of trouble but the presence of trust.
We often respond to life’s challenges like the disciples—with panic and fear. We cry out, “Don’t you care if we drown?” We want Jesus to feel what we feel and react as we would. But Jesus teaches us something profound: true peace is found not in controlling our circumstances but in trusting the One who does.
When Jesus finally gets up, He rebukes the wind and commands the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Immediately, the storm calms, leaving the disciples in awe. “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” they ask, terrified not of the storm but of the incredible power they’ve just witnessed. It’s a moment that shifts their fear from the storm to a reverent awe of Jesus’ power.
This story isn’t about us discovering our own power or authority. It’s about recognizing the power of Jesus and the peace that comes from being with Him. The storm you’re facing—whether it’s a difficult relationship, a health challenge, or a financial struggle—may seem overwhelming. But remember…
Jesus is more powerful than any problem you’re up against.
In John 16:33, Jesus reassures us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Peace isn’t found in the absence of storms but in choosing to remain with Jesus, trusting in His power and presence.
Throughout the Bible, we see people gripped not by their circumstances but by the power of God—like the disciples in the boat, the demoniac set free, or the woman healed from her bleeding. Each one encounters the overwhelming power of Jesus and walks away changed, no longer afraid of the storm but in awe of the One who calms it.
So, when you’re faced with your own storm, don’t let fear take the helm. Instead, follow Jesus. Pray to Him. Ask Him for peace. As Psalm 65:5-8 reminds us, God faithfully answers our prayers with awesome deeds. He is the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. He quiets the raging oceans and silences the nations’ turmoil. And from where the sun rises to where it sets, His wonders inspire shouts of joy.
Let the power of Jesus calm your storm today. Trust in Him, and find peace that surpasses all understanding. You don’t have to be afraid—
The One who commands the wind and waves is with you.