For He Controls the Wind and the Storm

Open Your Bible

Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 107:23-32, Psalm 135:5-7, Isaiah 43:1-3, Nahum 1:3-5

Did you know that Nashville gets more rain than Seattle? Google it. It’s true. I know, firsthand, how true it is, because until this past summer, I was a full-blown Nashvillian for almost a decade. And oh my goodness, the weather there is severe and soggy and insane. I adore Nashville and miss it almost every day. But, the weather? No.

When I lived in Nashville, tornado warnings were just a regular part of life. But since moving to southern California, I haven’t been anxious about the weather one single time. The climate here is weirdly perfect, every moment, all the time. I don’t keep a crib mattress and bike helmets near the most centrally located bathroom in our house anymore, because we don’t have to pile in there at 2 a.m. because we never get woken up by weather sirens. That’s wonderful. 

However, since moving, my life has felt stormier than ever. During the first month in our new house, I lost two members of my small family—Uncle Jimmy and Grandma Marlene. Gone from my life, just like that. The pain felt impossible. The grief hit me worse than the straight-line winds in Tennessee that took our trees down last year.

But as painful as that storm of death and grieving felt, I knew I was not alone.

In Matthew 14, we read about Jesus and His infamous walk on water. The disciples responded with panic and “cried out in fear” (Matthew 14:26). But Jesus responded, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (v.27). 

We can have courage because the Jesus who forgives our sins—the Jesus who already conquered death when He walked out of His own grave—is acquainted with our suffering and can walk on water like it’s flat, dry land.

We don’t have to fear the strength of the Tennessee wind or the heartbreaks of life in California when we are in the care of a God who “causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth” and “brings the wind from his storehouses” (Psalm 135:7). 

God is strong and God loves us and we know this for sure, because Jesus humbled Himself and came down from heaven. In love, He chose to dwell here with us, in this world full of tragedies and death and chaos. But unlike us, He’s not hiding under a mattress or hoarding bike helmets. He’s not afraid of tornadoes and He’s not afraid of the diseases that take away the people we love. He’s not afraid, because He’s in control. And because He’s in control, we don’t have to be afraid either. 

In Christ, we have a far greater hope than a pleasant forecast. We have hope of a future life everlasting, free of pain. What a gift that Jesus speaks to us. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

(125) Comments
[x]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

125 thoughts on "For He Controls the Wind and the Storm"

  1. Laurie H says:

    Loved this today. Having a terrible time at work with horrendous bullying. The person doing it is well known for it and nothing seems to have been done. Sadly, I am quiet and trying to show grace, so they have increased in their bullying of me with also added false accusations on my professional character. Going to keep clinging to Jesus in this time of storms, having faith that He sees and will bring justice x

  2. madi butterworth says:

    Thank you Lord for showing me I have no reason to fear. You are in control and will never give me anything more than i can handle❤️

  3. Erin Rice says:

    As I await another thunderstorm in Virginia, Gods words are comforting about the physical and emotional storms of life.

  4. Jasmyn Preval says:

    amen ! i am learning to trust GOD in everything that i do and keeping the faith.

  5. Amber Brackett says:

    Thank you Lord that your love for us never changes or fades. Thank you that when the world seems to be spiraling out of control, you are right there with me and I don’t have to be afraid.

  6. Hännah Bockrath says:

    I struggle with this – knowing that God is all powerful and is in control but still allows (seemingly) such tragic things to happen, even to those who love him. I want to grow in trust of Him even though I know will never understand why some are saved from tragedy on earth and others are not.

  7. Holly Hunt says:

    Thank you Lord that I know you don’t give me more than I can handle.

  8. Jennifer Murphy says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

  9. Deliah Mooney says:

    My brother passed away last year at 26. I am 24 and we were very close. It is still very painful most days but Jesus has been my strength through the grieving process. Thank you God for never leaving us alone and getting us through the storms in our life. Also thank you God that I do not have to fear and I know where he is. I know I will see him again!

  10. Cailin Plenzo says:

    Thank you God for being everlasting

  11. Alexis Storm says:

    I join with you in prayer! Praying the Lord brings your family comfort and peace and rest in the storm of grief and sorrow. The shortest verse in the Bible is “Jesus Wept.” When Lazarus died. Just know that the Lord weeps alongside you but luckily you can grieve with a hope so deep, holding onto His one promise!

  12. Lisa Bardales says:

    Thank you God for your goodness! ❤️

  13. Becci Baston says:

    My sister died on Thursday. Just a week after receiving a cancer diagnosis. She was 49. She’s left behind a 12 year old daughter and husband. She loved the Lord but I need to let these truths sit with me because it’s incredibly tough in the storm. I’m praying these words bring me comfort at this time.

  14. Jess Morrissey says:

    thank you for sharing this!!!

  15. Kyrah Vandiver says:

    This is so good – something my pastor said that stuck with me is “stop letting your expectations of God be based on your experiences” we will go through hard things but he loves us and is working for our good! He’s in control!

  16. Kristin Ireland says:

    Thank you lord for your goodness. I trust in you to control the storms of my life. I am not afraid for I know you are always with me and always in control!

  17. Kristin Ireland says:

    Thank you lord for your goodness. I trust in you to control the storms of my life. I will

  18. Nathalie Gomez says:

    I need to learn how to have courage and that way my faith gets stronger ♥️

  19. Ashlyee Freeman says:

    So important to remember our hope is not placed in this life.

  20. shelby tate major says:

    I have courage. I am not afraid ♥️

  21. Jejo Bontigao says:

    Currently struggling with getting through nursing school…and the far isn’t when or if I pass. Rather, it’s how inactive I’ve become; and, after catching Covid twice, it’s the long-term effects I now have that I fear.

    From working out to find pleasure and peace, I now seek simply 20 mins to move in fear a blood clot has formed. I seek to move for the sake of hoping diabetes doesn’t take hold of me.

  22. Jejo Bontigao says:

    Currently struggling with getting through nursing school…and the far isn’t when or if I pass. Rather, it’s how inactive I’ve become; and, after catching Covid twice, it’s the long-term effects I now have that I fear.

  23. Angela Wabi says:

    We don’t have to be afraid of sickness or diseases because He is in control❤️

  24. Kristin Olesen says:

    I often forget Jesus is in the boat with me; I suppose I view him as back on the mountain taking care of other important things. But Jesus is with me always.

  25. Elizabeth Sasser says:

    I need my storm calmed

  26. Stormi Messmer says:

    I’m often in the boat running around trying to prepare for the storm; feeling anxious. All while Jesus is sleeping, because He knows the outcome and is in control. I pray for more faith and peace to remind myself that I don’t need to prepare for the storm, because my God has already calmed it.

  27. Shannon Peace says:

    Amen

  28. Stephanie S says:

    Yes! Such a needed reminder.

  29. Tori Grout says:

    We don’t have to be afraid because he is in control – love that! Especially in times where I feel like I am the one that needs to be in control.

  30. Leaha Hicks says:

    Thank you for sharing!

  31. Rebecca Claycomb says:

    ❤️

  32. Lauren P says:

    Love this so much. It’s so easy to be overcome by fear, anxiety and all these other feelings that make us question life. But turning to Him and leaning on Him and understanding He is in control is so powerful. I definitely needed to be reminded but loved this reading.

  33. Ashley Williams says:

    Amen!!

  34. lilly roach says:

    love this so much! really needed it! God is so good even when things are so tough

  35. Teresa Feger says:

    Amen!

  36. Meagan Ashcraft says:

    ❤️

  37. Olivia Mills says:

    Amen

  38. Kaitlyn Phillips says:

    X

  39. Katherine Goree says:

    ❤️

  40. Ashlyn Haney says:

    Amen!!

  41. Ashlyn Davis says:

    God will bring us out of our fear of earthly things and thoughts. When we go through life he is with us!

  42. Leandria Walker says:

    Amen!

  43. Faith Wolfe says:

    ❤️

  44. Aubree Cutz says:

    Amen

  45. Allison Benincasa says:

    I’m currently living in the Nashville area, though I’m from Buffalo, NY and not used to this at all. I feel this fear of the storms to my core! But I know God will calm all storms in my life, including this nasty Nashville weather here. Thank you for this ❤️

  46. Deborah Scharrer says:

    Amen

  47. Nichole Hobson says:

    He is a very present help in the time of need. I’m so grateful! Thank you Abba for taking care of us completely. Thank you for wholeness.

  48. Abbie Merhoff says:

    even as i look at the news and all of the chaos around me, i also see my god who is ever still. nothing we are seeing or going through shakes him. he stands unshaken through every storm. “when you walk through the waters, i will be with you” we are not alone and he is in control!!!!!!!

  49. Mary Randall says:

    I love when the lord commands us to be still. It’s so powerful to still myself and my anxiety in from of the lord and place it in his hands. It is easier said than done for sure. But it provides me with so much peace and love!

  50. Olivia Mills says:

    I pray for the Ukrainian people this morning. I pray they will have courage and trust in the Lord God to help them through this time of upset and turmoil.

  51. Olivia Mills says:

    I pray for the people

  52. Darla Conno says:

    A thought on juggling… when someone is juggling they never look at the balls because when they do they mess up and the balls fall… they look up. Same goes for us. We can juggle the things of life but keep our eyes up.

  53. Michele Tully says:

    Amen

  54. Mary Thicksten says:

    Amen

  55. Abby May says:

    I love how so many psalms and New Testament passage connect!

  56. Christel Fleming says:

    Thankful!

  57. Elizabeth Dunkerson says:

    I feel a bit overwhelmed right now. Not enough hours a day to get done what I need to do. Fear I’m not keeping all my balls juggling in the air. This helped me tremendously this morning.

  58. Jillian Lee says:

    Praying for you Melanie

  59. Erica Romero says:

    I have been redeemed and I have been called by my name. God is so good.

  60. Terri Baldwin says:

    Have Faith do not be afraid of anything! Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine!

  61. Charity BialikCoyle says:

    Wow, I didn’t realize that psalms had a story about the Lord calming a storm so similar to the New Testament stories of Jesus calming the storm. Amazing how many times storms and God’s power to calm them are mentioned in Scripture.

  62. Jordan Ogletree says:

    ❤️

  63. Daphne A says:

    A close friend of mine is going through deep tumultuous waters because of cancer. I am fearfully wondering what if it will happen to me, what am i also going to do? But praise God for this comfort- His love will prevail because we are His! Thank you Lord, for being there in the calm but most certainly even in the storm.

  64. Ally Coffey says:

    I really relate to Peter when he’s walking on the water, then looks around and becomes afraid. God has called me into a life of adventure with Him which has increased my capacity for courage. However, looking around and seeing all the tragedy and chaos brings me back to a place of fear and hopelessness. Or even just looking around and comparing my life to friends. I hope that we can all look at Jesus and push back fear by knowing that we can trust Him in the hardest and strangest times.

  65. Paulette Montelone says:

    I feel so much like Peter. I say to God, “Ok, I trust you with my life, Lord.” And I give over my problems. I see His will in my life and how He carries me through the trial. I’m thankful and praise Him for the blessings. But then the next “wind” of troubles arise and I freak out, begin to doubt and sink in my worries. I hate that I go through this same pattern with every “storm” in my life. The doubt, fear and anxiety are truly unnecessary as I know that God will be with me through every trial and that He will work everything for good.

    I’m trying to learn to stop doubting God’s ability and desire to work all things for good. Trying to trust Him more and worry less.

  66. Paulette Montelone says:

    I feel so much like Peter. I say to God, “Ok, I trust you with my life, Lord.” And I give over my problems. I see His will in my life and how He carries me through the trial. I’m thankful and praise Him for the blessings. But then the next “wind” of troubles arise and I freak out, begin to doubt and sink in my worries. I hate that I go through this same pattern with every “storm” in my life. The doubt, fear and anxiety are truly unnecessary as I know that God will be with me through every trial and that He will work everything for good.

  67. Elizabeth Carlock says:

    I have been feeling like my boat is being swamped right now, but I know that God will calm these storms too. Even today, a change in a schedule brings some relief. I just have to keep trusting that the sea will calm and my boat will carry on.

  68. Krystle Scott says:

    Michelle, I’m praying for you! For peace, provision, and healing. I KNOW God is going to make a way for you!! Keep looking to Him sister. ❤️

  69. Kim Martin says:

    I seriously just got a ring for my daughter and I that is just a small round glass piece that has a little tiny mustard seed in it. I continually have to look at that mustard seed to keep faith. And then I have this study today. We have to keep our faith, especially in these horrible times.

  70. Dana says:

    @michelle it helps to know we are all in this together. Thank God for the encouragement that permeates these pages.

  71. Deborah Smith says:

    Ranting is good. It allows us to get rid of emotion and really empty ourselves …. Leaving room for God to fill us up.

  72. Lorena Figueroa says:

    This scripture has reminded me of all the times I have doubted. Of all the times I have had such little faith and yet God keeps reminding me over and over that He got this and for me not to be afraid in any circumstance of my life. He reminds me that every little thing is gonna be alright and that all I have to do is trust in Him!

  73. Allison Whitlock says:

    I’m reminded Jesus is the key and less of me. His perfect love casts out fear and the more I praise and adore Him angst dissipates into vapor, surrender my thinking to obedience to His Word. We are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image……Our Savior the Creator of ALL knows ALL our flaws and we need not fear He’s got our back. Heck He made it! I pray the Lord strengthen what remains in us all and and deliver us from deceptive thinking that keeps us away from embracing His promises as truths.

  74. Erica says:

    Hannah, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad and the feelings it has left on you. I lost my son 6 months ago and can completely understand feeling like God is being silent. I don’t even know if I understand or know what it actually feels like to “hear” him. I do know though that he is not silent and in fact, it is me who has silenced him. So many times I haven’t allowed myself to feel/hear him working. I find when I am intentional in “giving” it to him, I find a bit of peace in my day. It has been so difficult to walk through this valley and I can not do it on my own. I feel as if I have “given up” on my own attempts to make sense of this and to understand why this has happened. I have to be very conscious in my choice to allow God to be in control. Isaiah 43:1-3 is a great reminder of his promises to us and when we walk through these troubling times, he is still there with us.

  75. Jennifer Anapol says:

    This seemed like the perfect day to read this devotional. I too live in Southern California, and while our weather may be near perfect, we do have some weather hazards as well. Last night we had such strong winds they woke me up from a deep sleep. I was nervous that a tree was calling to fall down near my house. Also, we live in the hills and fires are a definite possibility, especially with the winds. It’s nice to know that Jesus is in control, even during the storms around us

  76. Jennifer Anapol says:

    Jesus calming the storm and him walking on water are my two favorite stories of Jesus. I love how he can calm the storm around us and the storm inside us. I pray that I would feel his presence in whatever storm I may find myself in.

  77. K Swenson says:

    Wow, DORTHY! Thanks for sharing this and I’m so sorry for your loss. God bringing you through your trauma over and over again gives me hope in my troubles. I so appreciate your vulnerability.

  78. Rhonda J. says:

    Hi, She’s! The song is playing now by Hillsong United- “Know You Will.”

    I don’t know how you make a way-
    But I KNOW you will…

    It’s a very powerful song! I guess that’s why I love just keeping praise music on all day, I can praise God and hear the promises of His Word through them all! We don’t know how he is going to make that way, all we can be assured of, is He will. period.

  79. Dorothy says:

    So yesterday I climbed into my bathtub and found part of my ceiling in it, I live in an apartment, so after finishing my shower I called the office and let them know. Who knew I would have to have to deal with this? But I was lucky they took care of the problem fairly quickly. The Lord looks after things when you ask Him to.
    I understand where Scarlet is coming from about the tornados because I live in Kansas and we get our share of them. I can’t say though I have ever been in one. About 18 years back several co-workers were hit by one and had damage to their homes.
    Storms are what bother me, especially the ones that lead to flooding. Even after almost 19 years after my older son’s death by drowning, after flooding, they bother me. BUT GOD!!! BUT JESUS!!! I have learned to turn to the Lord when this starts to happen and I make it through it.
    Be blessed and God will get you through your storms sisters.

  80. Michelle Patire says:

    Dana. Wow. God also told me to take it “a day at a time” when COVID started. I’m glad to read your comment today, it is refreshing to my discouraged spirit. Thank you.

  81. PamC says:

    The last line from the devotional over at HRT written by Jamin Roller today really spoke to me….comforted me. “what a freeing truth that the One who controls the wind & the storm not only cares about our fear, but also cares that we grow in our confidence in WHO HE IS & how much he loves us.” I just found that incredibly powerful today & wanted to share it with all y’all.
    Praying for you as I read through the comments.
    Love & hugs to all.

  82. Michelle Patire says:

    I definitely am struggling emotionally, lately.

    I want to ask for prayers. My family has been passing around COVID – or the flu. Whatever it is, I tested positive, so here we are. I’m not feeling awful, but I don’t feel myself.

    I am having a hard time trusting God. I owe a lot of money for tax season because of tips I vowed to report, but I have to hustle to earn enough in time for tax season to pay it off. As I read about Peter having faith and then sinking into the waves, I relate. I am trying today to trust God to provide for me, as He always has, but I’m worried about how hard I’ll have to work to earn enough money to get by. The job I just started isn’t easy for me- I am self employed by Instacart. It requires a lot of trust and patience on God because it’s completely new and some things I’m not at all skilled in.
    for example, it involves driving my car and I do what I can to take care of my car, but still things go wrong.

    Meanwhile, now I’m home for a week, the gas prices go up to nearly $3.80, and I’m just an emotional wreck.

    My family that I live with doesn’t communicate well or keep the house very clean, so I have those burdens on me, too.

    I am just feeling really down today. This is Day 2 of Covid (and wonderful timing, Day 2 of my girl time… )

    Appreciate all the prayers.

    Sorry for the rant, I just needed someone to hear me.

  83. Lindsey Luke says:

    The fear of not knowing and navigating life can be overwhelming sometimes. But reading through this it reminds me I’m not along. That God is in control and I need to just fully trust in him and know it will be ok. His plan is greater than me and I should not fear his plan.

  84. Jennifer Barkley says:

    I loved this reading and reminder. I have been through moments of fear – of physical things and most recently mental battles. I can testify and see that God was with me and got me through them- sometimes it takes a lot of looking up and reaching out to really see it but He is working even when we don’t realize it- God is so good and faithful! 1st time to post but have been blessed by the lovely insight and testimonies of you ladies. Have a blessed day

  85. Michelle Hart says:

    I also have been going through a career transition over the last year. So many let downs and unanswered job applications. But through it all, God pursued me to follow Him and to find my identity in Him. I am also grateful for the hardships knowing how much closer I am to God because of them.

  86. Crystal H says:

    Wow! I’m seeing clearly that this career transition for me is not of my own doing but of God’s hand. He has caused all the pieces to line up. He is relentlessly perusing me and asking me to trust in Him and his promises. He is calling me to put my faith in Him and not in worldly things. “Have courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matt. 14:27)

  87. Rachel Reekers says:

    This morning while reading I was encouraged by how fear that leads to trust in the Lord culminates in worship. It’s beautiful thing that at the worst of times our fears can be transformed into praises.

  88. Lexi B says:

    Jillian, Melanie, Allison, Taylor and Dana- praying for you all.

    I loved this from I believe it was Kathy today- “The God who controls the wind and the waves looks at me and cries “mine” over me every day of my life.” So beautiful and something I will carry with me today.

  89. Mari V says:

    I’m so thankful for God‘s promise and this key verse, this morning. “Have courage, it is I (my Jesus), Don’t be Afraid”. My human nature can get scared but I stand on this promise that He is with me. And will never leave me. I believe this promise.

  90. Mari V says:

    I have experienced “scared“. The kind of “scared“ where are you can feel the pulse on your fingertips. The kind of “scared“ when someone has to tell you to “take-a-deep-breath” because you’re about to pass out from holding it.

  91. Daisy Webb says:

    This was on point for me this morning!

  92. Lori Lackey says:

    Excellent point!

  93. Heidi V says:

    The world and circumstances vie for our attention. Wanting to be our priority and to dictate our mood, our mindset and our feelings. But we are called to a different view, a kingdom view. Never losing sight of seeing our circumstances with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in our view. Lord, help me always to see things through “kingdom colored glasses“!

  94. Lori Lackey says:

    Karen Kingsburg wrote about the “other boats “ in her book Forgiving Paris. When the disciples asked Jesus to calm the storm there were other little boats. The storm calmed for them too. What an amazing thought regarding how our prayers can have such a tremendous impact on the lives of those around us.

  95. Allison Bentley says:

    He is always faithful- we have an entire book (the Bible) to remind us of His faithfulness BUT as someone else mentioned we have our lives to remind us God walks beside us (even during the storms). We may not feel in the moment but we KNOW He is there every step of the way!!! Praise God this morning for His control over all things!!!

  96. Morgan Latham says:

    I’ve lived in TN my entire life, so I relate to the fear of tornadoes. Thankfully, we have a storm shelter.

    “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.” – Psalm 107:28

    I’m so thankful that God is my storm shelter. All we have to do is call out to Him, and He will be there with us in whatever we are going through. The storms we face don’t have to be literal ones. They can be figurative ones. No matter the storms we find ourselves in, God can calm the situation.

  97. Annelyn P says:

    Praying for you, Melanie.

  98. Kathy says:

    “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'” Isaiah 43:1
    The God who controls the wind and the waves looks at me and cries “mine” over me every day of my life.

  99. Austin Olivia says:

    Melanie, praying for divine peace for you and your husband. Lord, stay close to her. Help her feel your gentle shepherding.

  100. Natalie Echavarria says:

    Man, this was so good. In a time where fear is so evident. This passage gives clarity on Gods hand through the unknown. He is always beside us, around us, with us through bad situations and good ones. I’m thankful for his love and guidance daily.

  101. Jennifer Martin says:

    I needed this today. I desperately need to let go and let God be in control.

  102. Taylor says:

    Clinging to Jesus as I feel the storm of temptation rising up inside me. Praying for strength to resist it and lean into Jesus, and praying He would calm the storm of temptation and pull me from its waters

  103. Paula Strong says:

    I live in Nashville and I know that fear well!

  104. Jennifer Loves Jesus says:

    Chaos. A word I used much less frequently in the past. A word saved to poeticly describe a situation contrasting the beauty of everything else. But today, this just seems like the always reality. In reading the Gospel accounts of Jesus rebuking the wind and silencing the sea, I am reminded of God’s divine power over chaos. How Jesus perfectly displayed His power over a life threatening storm, calming the fears of His people. Yahweh controls the elements and spritual forces. Jesus shows us we can trust Him, He is God, and He calms the cosmic waters of chaos (tehom- depths/deep Ps 107:26, Gen 1:2). He created all things through His Word, and by His words to us, we read over and over about His saving power. Yahweh is the omnipotent storm God. He ransomed us from the enemy through a Savior’s death. He is our shelter from the storms. There can be serenity in the chaos when we keep our eyes on Jesus. He balances mercy and compassion with holiness and justice. Eyes on Jesus. Eyes and hearts on Jesus. We can trust Him in all things. Christ over chaos.

  105. Maria Baer says:

    I love that Jesus is with us always, but especially during the storms. I remember when my dad— my best friend in the world— passed away 9 yrs ago. It was the strangest thing. I felt like there was this static that I couldn’t hear God. I jus could not, but I also knew deep within me that He was with me. I compare it to radio static when you are looking for a station and can’t quite hear it. I’m always thankful for that realization that He never leaves us.

    1. Hannah Cooper says:

      I am in that static, Maria, my Dad was also my person… I lost him 6 months ago and have really struggled with feeling like God is silent.

  106. Allison Mitchell says:

    The Scripture from Isaiah is one of those that just really hits me every time I read it. I woke up today with a profound sense of gratitude and the overwhelmingness of how utterly awesome it is that Jesus saved me. He saved you. In the midst of the anxiety, illness, stress, and pain of daily life here, He grasped my hand and pulled me out of the mud of sin. When I feel lost in the world, I reach onto that truth. We need not fear.
    I read through the comments multiple times a day and pray for each request as it comes in… – Please know that you are all on my mind and in my heart. Thank you for your prayers for me and my OCD… I am feeling closer to God and I am so grateful for His goodness in drawing me in closer.

  107. Kyle Lara says:

    Thank you for sharing. I just listened to it and wow, so empowering.

  108. Churchmouse says:

    In the midst of every storm, may I have the trust to walk towards Jesus. I do not need to fear. Jesus reaches out His hand and catches hold of me. Every. Single. Time. He is in control of all things. He is ever leading me to the harbor I long for. I do not look at the waves crashing or the boat sinking. My focus is on Jesus. His grip is firm.

  109. Aimee D-R says:

    Jesus I need you. Truly, I do. In the storm and in the calm. Be near me. Amen

  110. Jane Quig says:

    I needed the words “Don’t Be Afraid” this morning. I am going to be a first time mom at the end of March. I have a fear of giving birth to my baby girl and pray to recognize God’s presence throughout the process.

  111. Jillian Lee says:

    My biggest fear was losing my boyfriend I loved so much and the family we had started to become and then just like that we broke up. It’s been 9 months of navigating my life without him and experiencing a mess of grief that I had to endure all on my own, but what I found was God showing up everyday in the messiest parts of my life slowly fixing it all.

  112. Melanie says:

    I need prayer. Yesterday the storms of life and a reality I knew was coming came to a head. I’m heartbroken but praying that God can touch my marriage We want it to work and only God can heal us and help us. My sicknesses continue to plague my everyday life. I’m exhausted

  113. Saile Guzman says:

    Faith > my control

  114. Angie says:

    The Isaiah scripture is one of my favorites, along with the beginning of chapter 44 also. Years ago, during a stress-filled time, I prayed those scriptures multiple times a day for, and over my sons. I put their names into God’s Word as I prayed. Whenever I read them since, it brings immediate peace.
    Hard times are not what we would chose, but God, in His majesty and power, has power over and control of the storms of our lives-even when he is asleep in the boat. It is not about my being better, braver, or stronger, it is about knowing where to put my trust. It is about staying close, hiding His Word in my heart, and knowing where to call and on, and Whom to focus on in the waves and wind, fire and flames, and where to place my worship. The amount of profound peace in the Word of God, the preparation He provides and guidance through the Holy Spirit, continues to stretch me, form me, and hold me. And, I am so thankful. May all the glory, power, majesty, and worship be upon of Triune God. Amen.

  115. Pam Seipp says:

    Yes, I need to let go and let God handle everything!

  116. Elaine Morgan says:

    I need for Jesus to be in control. I know I can trust Him and I know He is faithful. Thank you Jesus!

  117. SarahJoy says:

    I’m loving the new song “Firm Foundation” by Maverick City Music. He won’t fail us. He’s the rock in the midst of the storm. When we are battered by the waves, we are not alone! I can see how God has shown Himself in the midst of the hardest times. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s only clear looking back. When the days become difficult, I need to remind myself of how He’s been faithful in the past. He’s never left me. I just have to focus on Him and not the waves.

  118. Kelly (NEO) says:

    When I pass through the waters and the fire, God is with me.

    WHEN not if.

    REMEMBER the Lord goes before me. I shall not fear

  119. Kristen says:

    @Dana. You wrote: other times I feel it’s a gift I’m being given as I lean closer to Him; not me working on myself but He who is working in me. Thank you for sharing. In these days when self help is so prevalent, you spoke to Whom we should turn , look, and focus on. He is where our hope and help come from! Hod bless you all!

  120. Heidi says:

    “…and all their skill was useless, Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble” (ps 107:27-28)
    I mean wow. That’s it right there- MY skill to save myself, is useless… and why is it so often the truth that my crying out to my Savior is mostly when I find myself face to face with the fact I can’t save myself. I can’t heal the situation, I can’t solve the problem. I am so guilty of deluding myself that I’VE GOT THIS! and then I stand in shock and horror when the truth is revealed- AGAIN. My skills don’t “got this” – my Savior does. Still working on fully trusting in that because His ways? Very not MY ways a lot of the time. But- trusting anyway… that’s the goal, right..??? ;)

  121. Mary Ann Graves says:

    Don’t be afraid. What wonderful words.

  122. Dana says:

    I have always been afraid of the death of those closest to me. And then about 12 years ago, I started to fear my own because of some health issues. I want my husband and I to live into our 90’s together and experience the fullness of life with our kids, grandkids and God willing – great grandkids. I want our legacy to shout that God Blessed us with a long, beautiful, happy marriage and a close knit family who went on vacations together with their children’s families. I’ve always imagined it that way and have prayed for it to be my story. But then my dad died suddenly just a few days before COVID shut the world down. And as I grieved, COVID forced me to look even closer at “one day at a time” (which has been my motto now almost 2 years) and “tomorrow isn’t promised”. I’ve never been more aware that life can change in an instant and I’ve had to dig deep and face death as a very real possibility at any moment. I don’t like it but I believe it’s a lesson I’ve needed to learn and to become less afraid of. Sometimes I wonder if it’s hardening my heart to do this work in myself and other times I feel it’s a gift I’m being given as I lean closer to Him; not me working on myself but He who is working in me. There have been so many times over the last 2 years where I’ve almost begged Jesus to come now. I know I’m not alone in this. I know we are all exhausted and battle weary. And some of you have faced incomprehensible trauma because of this pandemic. My heart breaks with yours. But courage is ours from the Lord and I am doing my best to be obedient and Trust His divine plan for all of us. “It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

  123. Carol Rimmer says:

    “He’s not afraid, because He’s in control. And because He’s in control, we don’t have to be afraid either.”
    Amen. So good to meditate on this truth.