God Has Not Forgotten You: When Life Is Turned Upside Downনমুনা

Experiencing His Peace

While traveling by boat on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and His disciples encountered a violent storm. The waves were crashing over the boat so much it was beginning to fill with water. Nevertheless, Jesus was at peace. He was fast asleep. But the disciples, seeing the storm, became overwhelmed. They woke Jesus up, saying, “‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’” (Mark 4:38-40). He was really asking, “Why are you afraid? Don’t you know who’s in the boat with you?”

When crises or tragedy hits, it’s easy to look at the bigness of our circumstances and become overwhelmed. But like the disciples, focusing on the size of our circumstances can keep us from seeing the bigness of our God and His ability to calm the storm. The strongest of storms are no match for the power of God. Isn’t it encouraging to know that Jesus is in the boat with you as you navigate the rough waters of life’s storms? He’s with you right now. You are safe and secure in His hands.

What’s more, He promised you His peace. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). Amid this difficult season in your life, you can experience the peace of God—a peace that rises above our human understanding (see Philippians 4:7). So, resist the temptation to worry, and allow His peace to comfort you.

Taking back your life

1. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Therefore, challenge yourself not to worry about anything, but instead pray about everything. Take a few minutes right now to tell God what you’re worried about. Tell Him what your needs are. Then thank Him in advance for meeting those needs. And allow His peace to keep you in these difficult times.
2. How can experiencing God’s peace in the midst of all you are facing help you to better work through your situation and all you are facing?
3. Discuss your feelings of being worried, anxious, or distressed with your spouse, a close friend, or a relative, and then pray together for God’s peace. Make a commitment to hold each other accountable to not worry about anything, but to instead pray about everything, so you can continually experience the peace of God during this difficult time.