In these turbulent times, with storms - both physical and emotional - raging at us, trying to unsettle us, we need to understand that Jesus is alive in us and if He is with us and for us, who or what can be against us?
When storms seemed to be about to capsize the little boat that the disciples and Jesus were in, did He go into a panic and shout out that they were all going to die? No! Just remember that Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat - they had to wake Him up - so if He wasn't concerned or worried about the storm, why should we worry?
Mark 4:35-39 "On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm."
Jesus knew that He wasn't in any danger. The disciples were in a state of panic, but He was so completely at peace that He was sleeping like a baby! The disciples' faith clearly wasn't strong enough, but then, at this point they had no Holy Spirit to guide them! We have this advantage over them.
Psalm 46:1-5 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn."
I love this passage! It tells us that God will overcome every storm the world or the enemy sends against us if we just give it all up to Him. We have the Holy Spirit flowing through our veins and He will give us the peace that we need to barricade ourselves against the howling winds and torrential rains that buffet us throughout our lives, trying to bring us down! We are so blessed!
Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
When storms come, and come they will, we need to rest on God's promise that He will always be there for us, will listen to our prayers and answer them. I have faith that when I cry out "God help me!" He will hear and he will act on my behalf. I know He has my best interests at heart and that He wants me to know that I can call on Him whenever I am under spiritual, emotional or physical attack.
James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Know Jesus, know peace! No Jesus, no peace! It's a no-brainer!
So take heart, friends! Peace, be still! God's got this!
Amen
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