It was a blustery day as I gingerly walked down the pier to enter the boat that was to carry us across the bay. The wind tousled my hair, and I could hear the waves crashing against the wooden supports, creating a somewhat eerie soundtrack to my adventure. My husband had to preach at a funeral on one of the islands in the Chesapeake Bay. I, never having the opportunity to visit this island, wanted to take the kids and tag along for what could be a bittersweet adventure, hoping to create lasting memories amidst the solemn occasion. It probably was not the wisest decision I have ever made, with my heart beating a little faster at the thought of the turbulent waters ahead. After all, the boat was recklessly rocking back and forth while it was still attached to the pier which made me question whether this was truly the right moment for exploration. Yet, despite my reservations, excitement bubbled within me at the prospect of discovering a new place.

As we undocked and ventured further into the bay, I was met with a surprise that no one warned me about… the waves grew bigger in the middle of the bay! Now I’m no Captain Jack Sparrow, but I sensed this was not good. With each wave washing over the boat, seasickness washed over me. I seriously thought, “Well, this is it—we’re either going to become fish food or I’ll need a miracle pill to calm my turning stomach.

My husband then asked the question everyone who was not a frequent boater asked, “How do we know when we are in trouble?” The answer to that question was profound. “As long as we hear the captain talking, we are safe.” You can write a sermon on her answer.

After the treacherous ride over the swelling bay, we made it safely to Smith Island. It never felt so good to be place my feet upon solid ground again. We were able to explore a little and eat some food and then had to make the horrifying trek back home. Which, by the way, was no better sailing. But alas, we made it safely home and I pledged to never go on a boat on high seas again.

The Storm at Sea

While going through my treacherous boat ride, I am reminded of the sailors in Psalm 107:23-30.

“Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. They too, observed the Lord’s power in action. His impressive works on the deepest seas. He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits end. “Lord, help! ” They cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. “

God heard the cries of the sailors as they battled against the fierce winds and huge waves that threatened to engulf their vessel. In that moment of desperation, they turned their hearts to Him, pouring out their fears and pleading for deliverance. He calmed the storm that raged around them with a gentle command, demonstrating His power over the elements and His unwavering love for His creation. Just as He listened to the pleas of the sailors, we are reminded that when we cry out to God in our times of trouble, He hears us.

Our cries may take on different forms—anguish, fear, anxiety, or even a quiet whisper of hope—but they reach the ears of a compassionate Father. When it seems like the waves of anxiety and despair are crashing over us, we need to remember that He does not turn away from our struggles leaving us to battle alone. Instead, He invites us to lay our burdens at His feet. His response may not always look like immediate relief, but He promises to be our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. In our darkest hours, we can find comfort in the truth that He is always listening, ready to calm the storms within us and around us if we trust in His divine plan.

Peter Walks on Water

Another passage in the Bible about a storm at sea is found in Matthew 14:22-33. This is when Jesus walked on water and Peter asked “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” And Jesus replied, “come.” As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. But as soon as he noticed the wind and waves, he became afraid and began to sink. Instead of looking at the strength of his Savior, Peter looked at the strength of the storm which caused his faith to waiver. But, when Peter called out, Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” When Peter began to sink under the weight of his fear, Jesus immediately stepped in, reached down, and pulled him up from the battle raging against him.

Can you relate to Peter? One moment you feel like you have placed your trust in the Lord to see you through, but when you look at your dire circumstances, fear takes hold like a vice-grip and you feel like you are sinking beneath the weight of your anxiety? You try to believe with all your heart but this nagging fear won’t go away. God knows our anxious heart and He is patient with us. I can hear Him calling out, “come on daughter, come my son, you can do this. You are going to make it. I am holding you above the flood waters and carrying you safely to shore.” You are going to be ok. Do not be afraid.

Jesus hears our cries of distress and calms the storm with just one word.

Jesus can Calm our Storms

Jesus does not look upon those of us drowning in anxiety, fear, or anguish with a hands-off approach; rather, He reaches out with compassion and understanding, offering solace in our darkest moments. In times when we feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, it is His presence that provides comfort, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. He invites us to lay our burdens at His feet, assuring us that His love transcends our worries and fears, encouraging us to find peace in our chaos and clarity amid our confusion. With every prayer, we are drawn closer to His grace, which offers a pathway through the storms of life, guiding us toward hope and healing. God is our anchor in the storm-tossed sea of anxiety and fear.

God is more powerful than any anxiety that will seek to overwhelm us. We must remember Who Jesus is. He is the creator and sustainer of all life. He will never leave us or forsake us. We can rest assured knowing that the circumstances that are causing us fear and anxiety are not beyond the control of our Lord Jesus!

Conclusion

When I was in my storm-tossed boat ride, anxiety overwhelmed me and I thought we were going to drown. In those frightening moments, fear gripped my heart, but I found peace in the thought that God will lead us safely ashore, even as the wind and waves raged around us. He is always near to us when we cry out to Him in our storms, providing an anchor of hope amidst uncertainty. His presence reassures us that we are never truly alone in our struggles. He hears our cries, and is immediately by our side, bringing comfort and stillness, calming not just the storm outside but also the anxiety within our hearts, reminding us that He will never leave us.

I pray that you, dear reader, will be able to experience His peace today in the middle of your storm. He is reaching down to you even now and telling you that you are going to be ok. All is well.

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