Finding Peace in the Middle of the Storm
Life has taught me that storms are unavoidable — but fear is optional when Jesus is in the boat.
I am from Puerto Rico, and from June through November, my beautiful island faces not only storms but hurricanes. Some seasons bring sunshine, others bring dark skies.
There is a saying:
“You are either about to go through a storm, you’re in the middle of a storm, or just coming out of a storm.”
I have been in all three places. And if I’m honest, when I was in the storm, I was often so focused on myself, on my problems, pain and circumstances that I forgot who was carrying me.
How could I ever doubt Him?
Am I the only one who has felt this way? No! The Bible shows us that even the disciples — who walked daily with Jesus — experienced fear in their storm.
Mark 4:35–40 (NLT)
As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So, they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind. But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.
From this story, I learned three powerful lessons:
- Jesus was sleeping — He was at peace.
When we are overwhelmed, it often feels like Jesus is distant or silent.
But He has never left us. He sees the storm, feels our fear, and yet remains at peace — because He knows the end from the beginning.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) reminds us: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
If Jesus is at peace in the storm, why shouldn’t I be? He is always with me, even when the winds rage.
- The disciples cried out in fear.
Their fear was real. They asked, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
How many times have I prayed prayers like that — fear-filled instead of faith-filled?
But God’s Word assures us of His care:
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”
And Luke 12:7 (CEB) reminds us: “Even the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
He cares deeply, even when I cannot feel it.
- Jesus spoke to the storm — and it obeyed.
Jesus did not panic; He spoke: “Silence! Be still!”
The wind and waves obeyed immediately.
He has given us the same authority.
Matthew 21:21 (NIV) says: “If you have faith and do not doubt… you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.”
We can speak to our storms, declaring peace and trusting that the storm will pass.
Sometimes my storms have felt like Category 5 hurricanes.
Other times, (truth be told) they have been puddles no deeper than three inches.
But whether hurricane or puddle, the Prince of Peace lives within me.
He never leaves.
He never panics.
He never loses control.
As God’s children, storms will come, but they are not meant to destroy us.
Psalm 107:29 (NLT) says: “He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.”
The storm is never bigger than our God.
Today, whether you are approaching a storm, standing in it, or stepping out of it, remember:
Jesus is still in your boat. Trust Him. Speak peace. And believe that nothing can stop you from reaching the other side.
Prayer:
Lord, when the storms of life rise up, help me to trust in Your peace. Teach me to fix my eyes on You, not on the waves. Strengthen my faith to speak boldly to my fears and walk forward with confidence. Thank You for being my refuge and strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.