Sept 1 Devotion: JESUS is Stronger Than Our Fears

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.

                                     Mark 4:37-39 (KJV)

The evening Jesus calmed the fierce gale on the Sea of Galilee, His disciples were terrified. Watching a storm from shore is one thing—dramatic but distant. But when you’re in the boat with waves crashing over the sides and rain pelting your face, fear becomes very real.

We all face storms of some sort: physical crises, relational ruptures, financial pressures, overwhelming circumstances. When troubles hit, we might find ourselves crying out, “God, where are You?” He is where He’s always been. The problem isn’t His absence; it’s that fear can make it hard to see Him clearly.

Remember, this is Jesus, whose voice commands nature itself. He is sovereign over every type of storm we face (SEE 1 John 4:4). Our Savior knows we are frail (SEE Psalms. 103:13-14), and He doesn’t stand at a distance critiquing our panic. He is present with us in the chaos, and He speaks peace into our heart even when the circumstances haven’t changed yet.

With three words, Jesus calmed a storm instantly. Sometimes He calms our storms just as quickly. Other times, He calms us in the midst of them, giving us His peace while the waves still rage. Either way, He is faithful. When we turn to Him in trust, we discover that His presence is always more than enough.

-IBC