Comfort in the Storm

The rain lashed at their faces and backs, like a stinging whip brandished by some evil force. The wind, brutal and fierce, tossed the little fishing boat back and forth, rendering all of their efforts futile. As the fishermen clutched the sides of their boat, giant waves snatched them up to heights they’d never been before, only to let go at the peak of their fear and send them crashing back into the churning waters below.

Surely we will all perish, Peter thought. In all my years, I’ve never seen a storm like this. How could a calm, peaceful lake turn into such a ferocious storm within minutes? Peter’s stomach clenched in fear as another giant wave carried them upward, drenching them as water rushed into the boat.

He cast a glance in Jesus’ direction; his master was asleep in the stern, head resting upon a cushion. How could this be? Was He not aware of the storm which was about to take their lives?

“If only Peter had kept his focus on Jesus, instead of the storm,” we are so quick to say. “If only he could have realized that the one who created the universe was right there with them. If He created the waters, then surely He could control the waters.”

 Hindsight is so wonderful, isn’t it? But what about those times when we, ourselves, are in the midst of the storm? What about those days when our very lives are in peril? Or the life of someone we love?

Trials are brought about to test us, to refine us like gold in the fire. God is honing us, teaching us to learn to trust. It’s easy to trust God when things are going well. But what about those times when all seems lost? Platitudes at moments like these are like words in the wind. Sometimes it reaches such terrifying heights that we cry out “Lord, I am perishing!” All seems lost.

In those moments, it’s important to remember that God is, indeed, right there with us. We may feel like He’s sleeping on the job, not looking out for our well-being. He’s ignoring the pain and the fear we struggle so hard to contain. We feel He’s not hearing, not seeing, not reaching out His all-powerful hand to still the storm.

But He is. Hebrews 13: 5 reminds us of God’s promise “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” No matter the size of the storm we are enduring, God is in control. The One who put the stars in the skies and keeps them in place is the God who holds us close to His heart (Isaiah 40: 11). Do not be afraid. Be still and snuggle up in His mighty arms. He is holding you and He will never let you go.