This I declare about the Lord:
-psalm 91:2
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
I used to be terrified of thunderstorms. Once, as a child, my mom left me home alone to run to the store and the light rain turned into a storm while she was out. There was a branch scraping against the window of my playroom and I thought someone was trying to break in. I hid, terrified and crying until she came home. That’s when my fear of storms started.
But it was never the storm that I was afraid of, even though I didn’t realize it. It was the fear of someone breaking in and hurting me.
My mind is often the ideal location for a thunderstorm. When it rages like a tsunami it tosses my thoughts around in complete chaos. The longer the barrage lasts the higher the floodwaters rise, until I fear I might drown within my own mind.
But it is not that storm that scares me either. Not really. It’s the fear of drowning—the idea that the lies in my own head might win and suck me under.
As the disciples sat terrified in the boat, there was nothing they could do to save themselves. That kind of overwhelming helplessness is a valid fear. It is a real possibility, even likelihood, that unless the storm ceases, drowning is inevitable. Yet what happens when a natural fear is confronted by a supernatural God?
Peace. Be still.
The storm didn’t win. And it won’t today. Jesus has all authority and He alone can call any sea—any storm—to be still.
At the Name of Jesus—darkness trembles.
At the Name of Jesus—the devil flees.
At the Name of Jesus—the waters calm.
His Name is the answer to torrential lies in my head.
Every. Time.
There wasn’t just one storm accounted for in Scripture—there were two. The one where Jesus was asleep in the boat, and the one where He wasn’t even there. Be comforted… He calmed the storms in both.
Whether I sense Him with me and think He’s not paying attention, or I feel abandoned and alone, the storm still answers to Him. The waves do not yield to my feelings, nor the wind to my thoughts, but His Name alone governs them both. And I know from His Word that He is either right there with me, or on His way.
Every. Time.
Journal Prompts
- What is your initial response to the storm picking up intensity? How might you shift this response to experience more of His peace?
- What types of thoughts make up the storms in your mind?
- The disciples weren’t alone in their boat; who can walk through your storms with you as a prayer partner?
Deeper Study
Lord of the Storm
Isaiah 4:6, 43:2; Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 14:22-33
Lord of my Mind
Psalm 91:1-2, 4, 139:23; John 10:10; Galatians 5:1; 1 John 4:1
Jesus is Peace
John 14:27, 16:33; Philippians 4:7; Romans 15:13
Deeper Growth 
Dear Michaela –
THANK YOU! First, I am a friend of Candy Schoenheit. We have been in our Bible Study/Life Together Group for many years and we recently did your Deeper Bible Study. It has had a tremendous impact on my life and is one that I refer back to all the time. You get right to the point and the examples from your personal experiences shed a level of authenticity, vulnerability and applicability that are not found in many other studies. I appreciate the Deeper Study section as well.
So I’m writing today because this email from you hit me deep. God is speaking to me through you in a mighty way. Our family is experiencing one of the roughest storms we’ve ever faced, and believe me, we have faced many. And each of those storms felt insurmountable however God brought us through – and that is where our hope lies. I am feeling overwhelmed at this time and your email gave me the confirmation, comfort and encouragement that I need right now! I will be studying your Deeper Study links today.
I realize I’m all over the place in my writing – it’s difficult to make my thoughts concise – but I take comfort that God knows my heart and my thoughts. And as you say, “perfect isn’t perfect”.
I wanted to thank you and give you a virtual hug for your obedience to the Lord. You are gifted as an author and have used that talent to help so many. I hope you know that TODAY you made a huge impact by sharing the Lord with me.
Thank you and God Bless You.
Lisa
LikeLike
Lisa, wow. Your encouragement filled me up when I read this post. Thank you for taking the time to let me know how God is working in your life and reminding me that He is also working in mine. I’ve added you to my prayer list as you walk through this difficult season.
Candy and I actually spoke about me possibly meeting your group either virtually or in-person, so maybe we will get the chance to meet in person soon! Until then, know that you are being lifted up in prayer and not walking alone. MLC
LikeLike
What a comfort, especially in today’s world. You wrote:
“At the Name of Jesus—darkness trembles.
At the Name of Jesus—the devil flees.
At the Name of Jesus—the waters calm.”
This knowledge has gotten me through so many storms in my life. The times when I’ve struggled the most are when I’ve forgotten that. When I think I’m all alone and have to fix my problems myself.
Thank you for this article! It’s just what I needed to hear today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My greatest struggles are also when I fail to remember and believe. I’m so glad it encouraged you today!
LikeLike