Today’s Verse
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.”
Isaiah 43:2 (WEB)
In the Storm with Me
We’ve been talking about peace this week, casting our burdens, turning worry into worship, receiving the peace Jesus offers. But what about when you do all that and the storm still doesn’t stop? What about when you’ve prayed, you’ve worshiped, you’ve released your anxiety to God, and the circumstances are still chaotic?
This is where I’m sure we’ve all found ourselves many times before. The storm is still raging. The problem hasn’t resolved. The uncertainty hasn’t lifted. And we’re tempted to think: Is God not listening? Is he not with us?
But then I remember the disciples in the boat. A storm was tossing them around, waves crashing over the sides, and they were terrified they were going to drown. And where was Jesus? Asleep in the boat. Not preventing the storm. Not standing on the shore watching. In the boat with them. In the middle of the chaos.
They woke Him up, panicked, and He calmed the storm. But before He did, He asked them a question: “Why are you so afraid?” Not “Why are you uncomfortable?” or “Why don’t you like this?” But “Why are you afraid?” Because fear shouldn’t be the response when Jesus is in the boat with you.
God’s presence in our storms doesn’t always mean instant calm. Sometimes it means He’s with us in the middle of it. Experiencing it with us. Holding us through it. And His presence is what we actually need most, not necessarily the resolution we’re asking for.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, You are with me in the storm, not waiting for it to pass but present in the middle of it, standing with me through the wind and waves, closer when chaos rages.
The storm is real, the struggle is intense, the fear is valid, but so is Your presence, unchanging even when everything around me is in turmoil.
Teach me that Your presence in the storm is what I need most, not necessarily the calm I’m begging for, that You with me in chaos is better than peace without You.
Being with me in the storm means You’re not distant, not watching from safety, but right here in the mess, experiencing it with me, holding me through it.
Help me recognize Your presence when I can’t feel it, to trust You’re with me even when the storm is so loud I can’t hear Your voice, so dark I can’t see You.
Remind me that You were in the boat with the disciples during their storm, that Your presence doesn’t always mean instant calm but always means ultimate safety.
Give me peace that comes from knowing I’m not alone in this, that whatever I’m facing, You’re facing it with me, that Your presence is my anchor when everything else is unstable.
Let me rest today in the truth that God is with me in the storm, and His presence is enough even when the storm hasn’t stopped.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.