And, lo I Am with You Always!
“He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” Psalm 107:29.
A storm is defined as a violent disturbance of the atmosphere- an interruption with strong winds, with heavy rains, thunder, lightning, or snow- that unsettles the peace…this definition gives an accurate analogy of the trials and tribulations that we often encounter in life… the storms that come so suddenly when we are calm and everything is going fine. But we have this assuance the the Captain of our souls is always on board and gently rocks us through the storm! “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” Psalm 107:29.
In Matthew chapter fourteen, we find the account of Jesus feeding the multitude- an immediately afterwards Jesus commanded His disciples to go across to the otherside of the sea without Him-but as they sailed across they encountered a turmulterous storm…verse 24 states:“But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.” The timing added to the fear, anxiety and hopelessness that the disciples felt…for the bible said it was the fourth watch of the night-the period between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m-the darkest hours before dawn!
The storms of life hit us just like the storm the disciples were caught up in…suddenly out of no where-and most of the times the circumstances surounding the storm is not known to us…but just as in the account of the disciples-we are can rest in the fact the Jesus orders our steps-He sends us on this journey of life -so did He know what the disciples would encounter- most certainly He did…and what was His response- there they were facing danger, fear and possible imminent death..but the word of the Lord tells us that Jesus went to them! “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.” Matthew 14:25.
This should brings peace, comfort and hope to our weary souls when we face the storms of life that can take us down that lonely road to fear and anxiety about what comes next…what’s next me friends? JESUS– He shows up someone said… He’s never late but right on time– matter of fact because He is omniscent He never leaves us, nor will He ever forsake us! “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ Psalm 23:2-4.
That night the disciples thought they saw a ghost…but Jesus alleviated their fears – “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” Matthew 14:27.
If the storms of life have you facing fears of the unknown-wondering when or how the Lord will come through…be not afraid for Jesus is nigh! Praise be to God His promises are faithful and true and He will deliver us out of the midst of the storm! “and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Mattew 28:20b.