A STORM of HOPELESSNESS

“But He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So, they woke Him up and said to Him, ‘Teacher! Don’t You care that we’re going to die?’” Mark 4:38 (CSB)

If the seas threaten to swallow us, where does our hope lie in those moments?

Every storm leaves a story in its wake. Though the elements change as the storm passes, the unsettled transition to a more settled atmosphere, lingering from the days it churned ashore, extends beyond its exit. Hurricane Joaquin’s (2015) story reminds us all of the strength of a storm and the hopelessness that can envelop a soul.

The storm battered the Bahamas, but it is the story of a battered ship that echoes still today. The El Faro, a cargo ship, found itself in the worst of Joaquin’s fury on the open sea. She was taking on water, and unable to reach dry land. A frantic crew tried to maintain control of the vessel, but the storm was too much to overcome. They decided to evacuate but, even as they did, one of the crew cried out, “I’m a goner!”

The hopelessness of the statement tears at the heart. The storm was simply too much. With the weight of nature bearing down, the man cried out as life crumbled in the maelstrom. The wrath of the sea promised no way out and, sadly, the entire crew of the El Faro perished on October 1, 2015. Thirty-three members of the crew lost their lives and the despair of the one vocalized the terror of a situation turned hopeless.

Hopelessness rocks a life just as waves rock a ship. Tossing everything from side to side, the storm shifts our reality. “Am I going down?” becomes a question not if it will happen, or if one will be overtaken, but when.

The disciples endured moments of hopelessness on the open waters. A storm struck in an area known for quick developing storms. Once peaceful waters angrily attacked their vessel, threatening to overturn the boat and its passengers. They fought an uncertain fate. As water poured in, they worked feverishly to bail it out. As the boat rocked, they worked to stabilize it. Twelve men fought the elements, to the point of feeling hopeless about their chances of survival.

Exhausted physically, frantic mentally, they rushed inside to find Jesus asleep. “Don’t You care that we are going to die?” they cried out. The situation said there was no hope, but Hope was riding in the boat that day. In the face of certain death, their cries reached the ears of the Author of life. And He moved. He rose and emerged from the inside of the ship. He called out three words, “Peace! Be still!” and the storm was no more.

Astonishment replaced their earlier hopelessness. How could He calm such a raging storm? Hope overcame and their eyes were opened to His power to calm the seas. When Hope spoke, hopelessness lost its grip on the lives of twelve men.

Nothing stands as truly hopeless before the Lord. He is our hope. As the psalmist writes, “But I will hope continually and will praise You more and more.” (Psalm 71:14 CSB) When storms of hopelessness rage, He is stirred by the cries of those He loves. Are we crying out to others about our situation, or do we cry out to the Savior who can change the situation? If Christ is truly our hope, as He is to be, the raging storm inside us subsides with just a few words from Him.

Storm Preparation

• How do you identify with the situation the disciples faced on the sea?
• Why is our prayer life of utmost importance when life seems to be hopeless?
• How has Jesus given you hope in the past and how can that help you when you face storms of hopelessness in the future?