Matthew 8:23-27

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

There have been many times when it felt like the circumstances of my life were out of my control.  The events of my life, like a strong ocean storm sweeping across the waters, threaten to overcome me.  Any feelings of hope come crashing down like waves crashing upon the rocks. During these times, I feel like I am drowning in the frigid waters and I feel helpless to stop it.  Yet God can tame these storms with only a word.  Even the winds and the waves obey him! This same God who created the earth, holds us in his loving hands.  He hears our desperate pleas for help and understands the deepest desires of our hearts.  If we trust in Him, He will grant us peace and will calm these inner storms. 

With Only a Word
By Krista Longeway

I gaze with awe into a grey and stormy sky.
Ominous dark clouds and rain now obscure the sun.
Winds roar across the water and the old trees sigh.
Branches, tossed wildly back and forth, have come undone
As leaves are roughly ripped from their branches up high.

Huge waves, whipped by this wild wind, froth and foam as they
Swell and crash against the sharp jagged rocks below.
Sending the frigid water and salty sea spray
Up into the angry sky where the wild wind blows
And where the seagulls will not dare to fly today.

Where does this cold wind come from and where does it go?
What power whips this wind into a frenzy and
Forcefully tosses the deepest of seas below?
Who can calm these storms with only a brief command?
There’s only one powerful enough that I know.

It’s the same God who holds me gently in his hands.
He who listens to my prayers whispered desperately.
He who knows my true heart and he who understands.
With one word he quietly calms the storms in me
Like bright sunlight chasing clouds away from the lands.