Who's in Your Boat?
By Ryan Dawson
How do you respond to the storms in your life? I read this in my Jesus Calling devotional this morning (April 20) and it deeply resonated with me, and I believe it will encourage you today. Hear the words of Jesus speaking over you...
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Hear Me saying Peace, be still to your restless heart. No matter what happens, I will never leave you or forsake you. Let this assurance soak into your mind and heart, until you overflow with Joy. Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, you need not fear!
The media relentlessly proclaim bad news: for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A steady diet of their fare will sicken you. Instead of focusing on fickle, ever-changing news broadcasts, tune in to the living Word--the One who is always the same. Let Scripture saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily along the path of Life. Even though you don't know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure of your ultimate destination. I hold you by your right hand, and afterward I will take you into Glory.
Mark 4:39 (NKJV) Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Psalm 46:2 (ESV) Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Psalm 73:23-24 (ESV) Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
There is so much that comes against us in this life – whether it is health concerns, relational challenges, the stress from work responsibilities, financial challenges, or something else. These challenges rise like black storms that threaten us, but we are not without hope because we have One who can calm the storm. Let's not forget that Jesus is with us in our boat as we navigate the stormy seas of life.
When our daughter was young, one of her favourite books to read was her Rhyme Bible. I can still hear her reading the story of Jesus calming the sea from Mark 4 in her little 4-year-old voice.
Jesus lifted up his head.
He looked around
And then he said,
“Be calm! Be still,
O wind and sea!”
And it was calm
Immediately!
Today, we need the faith of a child. It doesn’t matter what we are going through, God is with us, and He will not forsake us. Even if it feels like the mountains are falling in on you, or you are drowning in waves caused by storm surge, you can know that God promises to hold your hand - and He won’t let go.
Jesus took on the storm of the cross for you, so you can be assured that He won’t abandon you today amid your current tempest. God is faithful and you can trust Him. Stand on these precious promises and claim them for yourself and for those you love.
May the Peace of Jesus be yours today,
Blessings Ryan
How do you respond to the storms in your life? I read this in my Jesus Calling devotional this morning (April 20) and it deeply resonated with me, and I believe it will encourage you today. Hear the words of Jesus speaking over you...
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Hear Me saying Peace, be still to your restless heart. No matter what happens, I will never leave you or forsake you. Let this assurance soak into your mind and heart, until you overflow with Joy. Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, you need not fear!
The media relentlessly proclaim bad news: for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A steady diet of their fare will sicken you. Instead of focusing on fickle, ever-changing news broadcasts, tune in to the living Word--the One who is always the same. Let Scripture saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily along the path of Life. Even though you don't know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure of your ultimate destination. I hold you by your right hand, and afterward I will take you into Glory.
Mark 4:39 (NKJV) Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Psalm 46:2 (ESV) Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Psalm 73:23-24 (ESV) Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
There is so much that comes against us in this life – whether it is health concerns, relational challenges, the stress from work responsibilities, financial challenges, or something else. These challenges rise like black storms that threaten us, but we are not without hope because we have One who can calm the storm. Let's not forget that Jesus is with us in our boat as we navigate the stormy seas of life.
When our daughter was young, one of her favourite books to read was her Rhyme Bible. I can still hear her reading the story of Jesus calming the sea from Mark 4 in her little 4-year-old voice.
Jesus lifted up his head.
He looked around
And then he said,
“Be calm! Be still,
O wind and sea!”
And it was calm
Immediately!
Today, we need the faith of a child. It doesn’t matter what we are going through, God is with us, and He will not forsake us. Even if it feels like the mountains are falling in on you, or you are drowning in waves caused by storm surge, you can know that God promises to hold your hand - and He won’t let go.
Jesus took on the storm of the cross for you, so you can be assured that He won’t abandon you today amid your current tempest. God is faithful and you can trust Him. Stand on these precious promises and claim them for yourself and for those you love.
May the Peace of Jesus be yours today,
Blessings Ryan