The Presence of a Storm

MARK 6:50–51

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded.

Here, Jesus made His disciples get into a boat and go before Him to the other side while He dismissed the crowd and went up to the mountain to pray (Mark 6:45). We know from the rest of the passage that a storm is coming. So here Jesus is, in essence, sending His disciples into a storm. And yet, we see this is a loving act in light of how He reveals His glory to them.

Sometimes, Jesus leads us into a storm. He sends us into the raging tempest for reasons we can’t fully understand, but it is then that He draws near to reveal Himself to us in power. Jesus is sovereign over every storm. First, He sent His disciples into the storm (v. 45), then He saw His disciples making headway painfully, with the wind against them (v. 48a); He watched over them during the fourth watch of the night (v. 48b); and wonderfully, He came to them, and when Jesus came, He came walking on the sea (v. 48c).

Jesus’ watching does not mean that no trouble will come our way, but it does mean no trouble will come to us that is outside of His control and perfect design (Ps. 91:9–14). The presence of a storm does not mean the absence of God. Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble; but take heart! I have overcome the world” ( John 16:33 NIV).

The “fourth watch” of the night is between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. It is a time when the disciples would have been utterly exhausted and completely depleted. Sometimes, God delays His deliverance to drive our dependence back to Himself and display His glory profoundly. When we’ve got nothing left, he comes. He is often the God of the fourth watch of the night.

Jesus’ coming is always calming. The turmoil within our souls is put to rest in the presence of the Almighty. “Take heart; it is I” is the Greek phrase equivalent to the same expression God used to reveal Himself to Moses: “I am who I am.” Jesus is saying here, “Take heart. I AM. Do not be afraid.” If the Lord who rules over the raging of the sea is with us and on our side, what do we have to fear? Jesus draws near to the storm-tossed and the washed-out, and He calms the storm. May He calm the storm raging in your soul today for His glory.

Reflect

Can you think of a time when you’ve experienced the presence of God during a storm in your own life? How did the Lord draw near to you in the storm?

Let’s Pray

Lord, thank You that You rule over the raging seas, that You are on my side, that You hear my prayers, that You come to me in the fourth watch of the night when I’m utterly exhausted and completely depleted, and You come walking on the water, calming the storm and stilling the furious sea. Help me resist fear, and please show me Your power. All my trust is in You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.