In Mark 4:37, we’re told that there was a “great windstorm”. Isn’t it wonderful that we have things like Doppler Radar, The Weather Channel, or weather apps to help us prepare for storms ahead of time?

When it comes to this world, we can’t always anticipate the storm; we don’t always know when life is going to take a drastic turn for the worse. One would think that the disciples, who knew the water fairly well, would have been able to notice a storm was brewing. However, it seems at this time, no one expected this kind of thing to happen…except maybe Jesus.

Moreover, even if we can plan for the toughest situations, it can be very difficult to plan or prepare for the challenges and devastation a storm leaves in the aftermath. I want to note a couple of things I see here in this passage that can hopefully help when facing life’s storms.

Remember that storms affect everyone. When tough times come, it can be easy to think God is singling you out. But this isn’t the case. Storms happen to everyone: Christians and non-Christians alike. Storms affect those close to Christ and those far from Him. No one is immune from storms or hardships. Look at this passage where people lost their lives:

“There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

It is imperative to remember that difficult times will come to everyone. Life is filled with bad things that happen to normal everyday people, so don’t get discouraged when it happens to you or someone you know. Keep trusting God and that He cares deeply for you.

Remember to not let the outside in. Storms will beat upon your “boat”. What’s your boat? It’s your life, your mind, your emotions, your body. When a physical storm comes, we do well to put up sheets of plywood over windows, and strap down things that may fly away. How much more should we seek to anchor our souls and minds in the Word of God?

In verse 37, we’re also told that the boat was already “filling”. During a difficult storm we must fight to not let the outside in! What I mean by that is that there are many things that sound good or make us “feel better” but that doesn’t mean it’s from the Lord. When storms arise, it’s not uncommon for people to look for all kinds of help. We tend to run to counselors, family and friends (all of which can be helpful), but sometimes their advice isn’t Biblical or from God. We can seek to have someone commiserate with us instead of pointing us to the One who can really help us. Look at what Psalm 121 says:

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

So when the storms are hitting hard, it’s time to get in the Word. It’s time to get on our knees. It’s time to draw closer and closer to God and not just let some “outside” help in. We need to let the One who is inside come out! We have been given Holy Spirit and He is within us. He is greater than the one who is the world. We can call on Holy Spirit, Jesus and our Heavenly Father for help and He will respond.

Remember that the Lord is greater. I have to admit that when storms arise, especially suddenly, I can lose sight of the Lord. How about you? The wind is loud, the waves are strong and the boat is filling up, making it difficult to see or hear the Lord. The disciples had Jesus in their boat and I have to believe that they didn’t “awaken” Him immediately because they either didn’t want to disturb Him or they thought they could perhaps wait it out.

In life’s storms, Jesus is awake, available and awaiting us to call on Him. If you’re having a difficult time lately, let me encourage you to call on Him, not just once but every time all the time. Life’s storms are difficult and unpredictable but Jesus is able to bring peace and comfort. Look at verse 39:

“Then He 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 ‭NKJV‬‬

Verse 37 told us there was a “great windstorm” and verse 39 says after Jesus spoke there was a “great calm”. Jesus will bring a calm to match the storm. In fact, because Jesus can bring a great calm to a great storm means He is even greater!

What are your thoughts? How did the Lord speak to you through this passage? Is there anything else you can share to remember when going through a storm? Share your thoughts and comments below.