"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." (Psalm 56:3, ESV)

Many people find storms frightening, and rightly so. They can exert tremendous force, resulting in great damage. Those living in coastal areas soon learn the dangers of hurricane season, while those in "tornado alley" keep an eye on the sky. Residents of storm-prone areas learn how to prepare and when to seek safety. Sometimes, however, the storm strikes unexpectedly, catching those in its path unawares.

Mark 4:37-39 recounts a time when the disciples were caught in a life-threatening storm.

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 the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (ESV)

STORMS CAN BRING FEAR

Storms are noisy. The roar of thunder and raging winds cause us to fear. The disciples had sailed those same waters much of their lives, yet they became fearful as the storm's fury erupted. They seemed unaware that peace rode in the boat with them. Jesus asked them—and us as well. "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"

We may think, "How do I find peace when the storms of life come." To gain true peace we must first know the Prince of Peace. This speaks of relationship, and relationships bring trust. Psalm 29:11 promises that the Lord blesses His people with peace. This is repeated in II Thessalonians 3:16. "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way." Peace comes from God.

GOD BRINGS PEACE

To someone who does not know God, it seems impossible that there is "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). Such peace is difficult to explain, yet it is very real. Many of you have felt it.

Do you feel buffeted by storms that have come into your life? Perhaps you feel you are going under the waves and cannot fight your way back to the top? Do you long for peace and calm? Rest assured, God is with you in the storm; you need not fear. He promises a safe harbor after the storm has passed if we only trust Him.

"He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven." (Psalm 107:29-30, ESV).

Another translation of Psalm 107:29 speaks so eloquently of what God can do in our lives if we trust him.

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed" (CSB).

Let God speak peace into your storm.

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk