ODJ: When the Storms Rage

August 6, 2018 

READ: Psalm 107:23-32 

He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves (v.29).

On 20 September 2017, a Category 4 hurricane hit Puerto Rico, the island where I was born. The island was shredded, and nearly fifty people lost their lives. Months later, large numbers of island residents were still without water, electricity, medical care and phone service. Hurricane Maria, with her death-dealing winds, roaring seas and floodwaters, had pummelled Puerto Rico and its residences. It left the people with little, if anything.

Sometimes we’re fooled into thinking we can outmanoeuvre or even tame nature’s fierce storms. Yet despite all we have and all we know, storms still injure, harm or even kill us. We’re vulnerable and fragile creatures—no matter how much money, information, shelter or technology we have. We’re mortals, not God. The only One in existence with the power to tame the fierce winds and waves is the God-man Jesus—the Messiah, our Saviour (Mark 4:35-41).

If Jesus can calm storms in nature, can He also quell the storms of life? It’s an important question. At some point, every one of us will enter the worst storm of our lives. Like the sailors mentioned in Psalm 107, we’ll “reel” and “stagger” and be at our “wits’ end” (v.27). The storm may be a physical or mental disease or violence that attacks us or our loved ones. What can we do in such storms?

We can cry out, “Lord, help!” (v.28). The Bible promises that those of us who cry out to God for help will find hope that doesn’t disappoint (Romans 5:5, 9:33). No matter how awful the tempest, eventually, whether in this lifetime or eternity, we’ll witness God’s faithful calming of the storm and stilling of the waves (Psalm 107:29). He is with us in the storms, and that’s the greatest comfort of all.

—Marlena Graves

365-day plan: Luke 12:22-48

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Reflect on Mark 4:38. How is it possible that Jesus could rest amid such a fierce storm? 
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Are you in a storm? Have you cried out to God? How can you help others caught in their own struggles? 
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