I beg that me, a little man
trembling and most wretched,
rowing through the infinite storm
of this age, Christ may draw after Him to the lofty
most beautiful haven of life
...an unending holy hymn forever.

  - Colum Cille, Adiutor laborantium, Irish, 6th century[1]

But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

  - Matthew 8.26

At times, life can feel like an unrelenting storm.

Adverse winds of circumstance, booming threats of thunderous troubles, lightning bolts of trial and difficulty, downpours of disappointment, onslaughts of opposition, failure, frustrated hopes, and dashed dreams – these can rain down and swirl around us without let-up, leaving us trembling, anxious, and full of doubts.

We row our little coracle of faith through what can seem like an infinite storm, straining at the oars of daily duty, struggling with the sails of responsibility, gripping the rudder of direction for all we’re worth, and hoping to see light at the end of the dark night.

But why do we fear? After all, we’re not alone in our little coracle. Jesus gets us through it all, every time. Or, we know, one day soon He will.

Why do we become anxious each time the storms of life bear down on us?

Is it because we forget that Jesus is the Stiller of storms, or because we just don’t believe it? Or do we simply lose sight of Him and, fixing instead on our troubles and uncertainties, convince ourselves that they are greater than He, sinking in them, like Peter, slipping into the sea?

Yet when we cry out to Him and wait on Him, clinging to His life-preserving Word of promise, He never fails us nor forsakes us. He draws us after Him into the reality of abundant life where, no matter what the world throws at us, we find Him to be a lofty haven of peace, sufficient to calm our souls no matter the weather of our lives.

The key to knowing His calming Presence in the midst of life’s storms is thanksgiving, praise, and rejoicing.

Thanksgiving, because we acknowledge that He is sovereign, He does all things well, and He is working all things together for our good.

Praise, because He is always worthy of our adoration and exultation. And He is mighty to save and keep us in His shepherding love.

And rejoicing, because He upholds us, will never fail nor forsake us, and in His Presence are fullness of joy and pleasures forever more.

When the storms of life descend, don’t panic, and don’t despair. Look to the Stiller of storms. Wait on Him in meditation and prayer, and you will find Him drawing you into Himself, where you will find rest unto your soul and wisdom to guide your every step.

Hidden with Him in God, you can know sheltering peace and renewing grace.

For Reflection
1. What are some ways you can remember to keep your eyes on Jesus as the storms of life roll over you?

2. How can believers encourage one another to give thanks and praise and to rejoice in our stormy times?

Psalm 29.1-6, 10, 11 (Toulon: I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art)
Give praise to God, you children of the earth!
Tell of His strength, proclaim His glorious worth!
Give to the Lord the glory due His Name!
Worship in holiness; His grace proclaim!

Over the waters, over thunder’s roll,
God’s voice creation’s mighty pow’rs controls!
Cedars collapse at His majestic Word;
Nations are shaken by our mighty Lord!

Sovereign, the Lord sat o’er the raging flood;
Sovereign forever rules our gracious God!
God will His people bless with strength and peace:
Lord, may Your holy Word to us increase!

Thank You, Jesus, that You are the Stiller of all storms, and I trust in You so that…

 Feeding on the Word
Our book, The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart, can help you feed more consistently, joyfully, and fruitfully on the Word of God, so that you know the Presence of Jesus more consistently. Order your free copy by clicking here.

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T. M. Moore, Principal
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All Psalms for singing from The Ailbe Psalter. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

[1] Clancy and Márkus, p. 73.