In The Midst of the Storms
by
Dr. Dwight Garrett
In life we face all kinds of storms. When we think of the storms we face as we journey through this life, we usually think of the “personal storms” that come our way---financial worries, problems in our marriages or family, illness, betrayal of a friend, hardship and heartache, and so forth. However, we face other kinds of storms that threaten to engulf us as well---storms of materialism, storms of secularism, storms of moral degeneracy, storms of injustice, terrorism, and war, and storms of ridicule for our faith, etc.
In thinking about these “storms of life” we are reminded of the terrible and violent storm that came upon Jesus and His disciples one night on the Sea of Galilee. His disciples grew panicky and terror filled their senses---all the while, Jesus slept peacefully. He was “at peace” because He knew God was in control. He was at peace also because He knew He was sovereign over the storm, and He knew it would vanish at His Words: “Peace be still”.
35: And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36: And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
37: And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38: And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39: And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40: And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41: And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
When we face our own “storms of life”, why is it that we too sometimes are fearful---and have such little faith? His Mercy, Grace and Love---and His Word should calm all our fears in the midst of any storm of life we face in our journey over to the “other side”. So let us pass over to the “other side”, while passing through “this side”---with the same kind of peace Jesus knew, and gave to His disciples while on that little boat, on the Sea of Galilee.
Let us not fear and doubt, and struggle with worry and heartache, because the same words of comfort Jesus commanded to the storm, still holds it’s value to this very day---“Peace be still”. His Words still calm the stormy seas of life - all we have to do - is trust in Him.
He truly does give us Peace:
In the Midst of the Storms
God Bless!