Read Mark 4:35-41

“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 a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”” (Mark 4:37–38)

There are times in life that can feel like our Lord is sleeping all while we are barely treading water and on the verge of drowning. Fear, trials, and tribulation have come in like a whirlwind and are beating against us. Does the Lord care?

We have a dynamic picture of this conflict in Mark chapter 4. The disciples and Jesus were all crossing the sea of Galilee to get to the other side when suddenly a massive windstorm blew in and the waves threatened to sink the boat. This must have been a truly terrifying experience. If you’ve ever been in the middle of a large body of water you’ll know that even the most modest swells are intimidating. And considering that there were at least 4 fishermen onboard this was no exaggerated concern.

Oddly enough, Jesus was doing something we would not expect. While the wind and the waves threatened the lives of everyone onboard, Jesus was fast asleep in the stern of the boat. I wonder, how long did the disciples try to control the situation before they finally called upon the name of the Lord? I can’t imagine it was very long, but it was enough time for the boat to begin filling up with water.

The threat was real. The storm was aggressive. The boat was compromised. Everyone’s life was at the mercy of this gale. If they didn’t do something quick it meant certain death for all of them.

Or… would it?

“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38)

You can feel the frustration and the doubt of the disciple seeping out of those words. They were perishing and Jesus was doing nothing! Maybe for the first time they felt like something else was in complete control rather than Jesus. The storm was having its way, the disciples were freaking out, and Jesus was asleep.

But the disciples were about to witness the sovereignty of Christ and His power to change their dire situation into one of peace in a moment.

“Then [Jesus] arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)

Do you believe that Christ can do this for the storms in your life? It would seem that you are being tossed to and fro by the winds and the waves of tribulation, but don’t be fooled. The storm is not in control of your life; Christ is. And Christ is able to in a moment say: “Peace, be still!”

Know this, Christian, that Christ is not far from our dire situations, but near. And He is not only near, but He is even in the boat with us. He is only a call away, and the peace He offers is immediately accessible.

This is why He asked His disciples:

“Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

There is no reason to fear when Christ is dwelling in you! There is no reason to doubt when Christ has already brought sovereign peace! Do you really think that Christ does not care? Or that He is not in control of your storms? He is, beloved of God. And He will calm them in His time. Never does He want us to live in fear and doubt. He will bring you to the other side. We must learn to trust in Him.

The Apostle James seems to bring this illustration to life when he says:

“But let [a man] ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6)

We must consider that maybe the waves beating us down are our own fears and doubts, not the storm. Remove fear and doubt today. Cast all your care upon Christ, for He cares for you (see 1 Peter 5:7). Be of good cheer! — however big the storm and the tempest, Christ is sovereign over it and commands His peace.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

Do you trust Him?

‍