Calming the Storm Inside of Us

My heart was filled with joy as I lifted my new baby from his carseat and headed in the door. We were home, finally as a family of four. There’s always a transition period when adding a member to the family, but after a tumultuous delivery and epic NICU stay during the height of a pandemic, we were just happy to be home altogether. 

However, the fear and worry became crippling when we started to venture out into the world again, away from our safe haven of home. Those worries would keep me up at night and take over my mind throughout the day. I could not stay present in the fun that my family was having without being overcome with worry over something that I had no control over. 

The gospels of Matthew (8:23-27), Mark (4:35-41)  and Luke (8:22-25) detail the miracle of Jesus calming the storm. Sometimes when reading the Bible, it is easy for me to forget that Jesus was fully human as well as fully God. Jesus was weary and tired after a day of teaching so He took a nap.

Since He was fully man, think of all the worries that could have kept Jesus awake. He could have worried about His family and the disciples, or the increasing crowds with their overwhelming needs, or the future because He knew what His destiny was. The disciples were frustrated that Jesus was sleeping in the midst of chaos, but He was able to be at peace because He knew God is sovereign.

However, it was the disciples who awoke Jesus, not the wind, the waves, or the rocking of the boat. It was the cry of His disciples. The disciples were aware that even though they were helpless in the storm, Jesus was not, so they went to him. We, too, have the privilege to cry out to God when we feel helpless.

Jesus rebuked the winds and waves saying “Peace, be still!” (Mark 4:39) The force of the sea was silenced as Jesus restrained it with his sovereign word of authority.  

As the world becomes more and more unstable, it’s easy to get sucked into the storm of fear and worry. In this world we will have trouble, but we can hold onto the peace that comes from knowing our good God is still in control. We can cry out to God when the worries mount and have faith knowing that He will hear our cry. He has the authority and power to calm any storm in which we find ourselves. 

Jesus was able to sleep because of the peace that was within Him. As a mom, it is easy to worry about my family daily and before I know it, I get wrapped up or distracted in those worries. In order to fully embrace the beautiful moments around that God has given me, I have to have that same peace within me. 

In order to have that peace, God has been showing me just how important it is to hand my worries over to Him. First Peter 5:7 says to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” So today, I invite you to do just that.. Cry out to God; give Him your worries and invite Him into your life and ask Him to calm the storm that is raging inside of you.  

“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.” Psalm 107:29 (NIV)

About the Author

Hi, I’m Jessica Parker! I’m married to my incredible husband, Phil, and together we have two beautiful kids. My husband is an Army veteran so we have moved around a bit but now live in beautiful North Georgia. I enjoy reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I can testify to how life changing walking with Jesus and being in His word daily can be. Therefore I am passionate about helping women find a life giving community and learn more about God's love for them.