Being Calm in the Storm
“Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee” shows how people naturally react when caught in a storm—one guy’s holding onto the mast, another is puking over the side, and others are desperately trying to take control. When I first saw Rembrandt’s depiction of this event, I couldn't help but wonder, if I were in that situation, could I get close enough to Jesus to feel His peace?
Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee by the Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt van Rijn.
In Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, and Luke 8:22–25, we see Jesus taking His disciples out on the Sea of Galilee, a place notorious for storms that could whip up in no time, even catching experienced sailors off guard. When a storm hits, Jesus is just sleeping! The disciples can't believe He’s not freaking out because panic in a sudden storm is normal.
But are we called to be “normal”? As apprentices of Jesus, we are called to be quite the opposite. We are called in Christ to live extraordinary lives by extraordinary means! After all, we have the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, so why should we settle for normal?
The answer is, we shouldn’t. But to live peacefully in a storm, we need a new mindset.
First, we focus on who we’re with rather than what we’re facing. The Gospel writers note that Jesus initiates the journey across the water, gets in the boat, and falls asleep, trusting the crew to navigate while he rests. This act of trust in humans amidst potential danger highlights the profound relationship between Creator and creation. If Jesus can place himself in our hands, why can’t we trust ourselves to Him?
When storms come, He is with us, sharing in our struggles and ensuring our safety in Him. It’s not just a comforting thought—it’s a call to action. As spiritual athletes, we’re urged to fix our gaze on Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2). So, it is with a fixed gaze on Jesus that we pass through the storm.
Second, we get real with Jesus. Our panic might not look like grabbing a mast or puking overboard, like in Rembrandt’s painting. Instead, it might be obsessively checking our bank account, counting “likes” on social media, or fixating on political news. When we realize we’re chasing peace in everything but Jesus, we might need to admit our lack of trust in Him. The disciples did—they woke Jesus up, shouting they were going to drown. And what does Jesus do? Jesus calms the storm and calls out their faith.
We might excuse fear, thinking that, given the circumstances, fear is understandable. But Jesus cares about their “underdeveloped faith,” which is implied by the Greek term, oligopistos. This term doesn’t imply unbelief but rather a faith that lacks confidence. Because they came to Jesus with their fear, Jesus turns attention from the size of the storm to the strength of their faith. He’s trustworthy.
Third, we let wonder take over. After calming the storm, the disciples were left asking, "Who is this, that even the wind and waves obey Him?" When was the last time you prayed, saw God intervene, and were left in awe? Perhaps we need bolder prayers and more attentive spirits.
After sustaining injuries that included cracked ribs after a car accident, within 24 hours, surgery was called off, and the next day, the doctor found me sleeping on my stomach without pain. I laughed, realizing I’d been healed, but the doctor assumed a misdiagnosis. The night nurse who prayed with me, and saw friends and family praying, shared the joy of healing. But the doctor missed the wonder. It’s easy to overlook miracles, but when we look, we’ll find Him. He works wonders.
Finally, we allow Jesus to lead us where He wants us to go. Matthew and Luke show Jesus taking the disciples across the lake to deliver a demon-possessed man. The calm waters and smooth sailing must have been comforting, but it seems clear the peace wasn’t about their ease. Yes, He calms the storm and ends their panic, but in doing so, He reveals more than just authority over the physical world. He takes them to witness His authority over the spiritual realm as well. So, the next time an answer comes, we need to resist settling into comfort. Instead, we can allow the peace of Jesus to lead us all the way. Never settle.
With focused minds, honest hearts, and bold prayers, we wait for His answers that bring wonder. Meanwhile, we draw close enough to sense His peace, remembering that, while His answers are for us, they’re not about us. He is training us for full participation in His kingdom. We’re not ordinary, nor are we meant to be. Called to live counterculturally, we often surrender our comforts for the sake of His kingdom. We’re called to let go of anything that takes up space meant for Him.
Spending time with Him should feel as natural as being with someone you love. If God doesn’t feel as real to you as the world around you, it’s time to let Him pursue your heart. Let Him captivate you. Try meditating on a short Bible story—imagine yourself in it, fully engaged with all the senses, and let the Spirit make it real. As 1 John 2:27 says, the Spirit teaches us—so let Him guide you through this practice, called Lectio Divina.
Growing in faith often starts with making room for it. What space can you create today to let the risen Christ take authority over your situation and fill you with His peace? We often long for the storm to be calmed, but let's dream bigger—let’s let Him replace fear with wonder at who He is! And rest in His peace.