What troubles you?
We all have things that worry us, and it’s really easy to give into those fears. Sometimes the fear is something simple, like being nervous you’ll show up late at the party. Other times though, this fear can shake you to your core, whether it’s the fear of the future or of losing someone you love.
Israel had fears.
Isaiah 43:2 quotes what God said to His people, and it’s very relieving. The first part of that verse says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
I figured this verse was perfect because it talks about water, and we’re talking about the ocean this week. It also just fits the topic we brought up above…fear. Here, God knows that the people were worried, but He promises them that it’ll be fine, why?
That’s right…because HE’S with them. God was telling the Israelites, that no matter what obstacle came their way, He would be there to protect them. This is still true for us today. Whenever we go through a tough or difficult circumstance, we could rest peacefully, knowing that God is in control.
Mark 4:41 speaks about God’s power over all, in specific the ‘wind and the waves’. Jesus and His disciples were out on a boat, and while Jesus was sleeping, a huge squall swept in. The storm was so bad, the disciples were convinced they were going to drown. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” They demanded as they woke Jesus up.
And what did Jesus do when he saw the raging sea?
He rebuked it…commanded it to be silent. And, much to the disciples’ shock, the sea obeyed. Verse 41, in full says, “They (Meaning the disciples) were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!””
Jesus had power over illnesses, demons, and even the huge, treacherous sea.
Nothing we face is ‘new’ to Him, nor is it out of His control. Trials are tough, yes, but they can be useful to strengthen our faith in God. If He has power over the sea of our lives, is that not enough for us to ‘cast our burdens on the Lord’? (Psalms 55:22)
So, the next time your worry gets the best of you, remember to pray, and ask God for His strength. He is the only place true peace can come from, and if we entrust Him with our fears, He will lead us through the raging waters, one step at a time.
-D.P.
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