Anchor in the Storm

Imagine you are in a rowboat. It’s dark. The waves are crashing against the vulnerable vessel, and the wind is whipping your face. You’ve been battling this storm for nine hours now, and it seems like all hope is gone. And then you see someone walking on the water towards you. Not only are you exhausted, but entirely terrified as well. 

This is what the disciples were experiencing when Jesus reveals himself and tells them not to be afraid (Matthew 14). Next, we find Peter attempting to walk out to Jesus only to be overcome with fear when he looks at the waves. And, honestly, who wouldn’t be?

Jesus. What the disciples were struggling with, Jesus had under his feet. The waves caused fear and panic, but Jesus had already overcome the waves. The disciples couldn’t see this though; the storm was too real. But then, as soon as Jesus steps into the boat, the sea becomes calm, and the wind ceases. 

The other time we find Jesus in a storm, he is sleeping (Mark 4). Here the boat is filling with water, and the disciples think their lives are over. They wake Jesus and question his care for them. With a word, Jesus stills the wind and waves. Immediately, the disciples’ fear transfers from the storm to the power of Jesus.

We often use the analogy of a storm to refer to a difficulty or trial in life. Not many of us have been stranded on a boat in stormy weather, but we have all experienced life-storms. Most of us are probably in one now. Some may be more severe than others, and their duration may vary, but they can be frightening. Going through storms in life is inevitable, but with Christ as our anchor, we can be immovable.

We need to always be prepared for a storm. Be anchored before it hits. If we are not anchored to Christ we will drift. Drift into doubt, into self-pity, into fear. When we truly believe Jesus is in the boat with us, the storm will lose its power over us. No matter how big the waves or fierce the wind, we are safe and secure from all harm. Greater is He who is with us than any element coming against us.

The two reactions Jesus had when he was in a storm are sleeping in the midst of it and walking on the waves of it. Not exactly your typical activities to do in a storm. But, his actions show us that we too can have victory over storms that come our way. We can have faith that God will keep us safe. Content, believing he knows what is best for us. And filled with hope because it will not last forever.

We can have faith in the storm. Faith doesn’t ignore the storm’s existence; it just denies the storm’s influence on us. How impressed are you at Satan’s attacks against you? When he throws something your way, if you can say “I am not impressed,” he loses the power of that thing over you. When we stop looking at the terrifying waves and focus our attention on Jesus, our faith grows, and the waves shrink.

We can be content in a storm. The old hymn encourages us to sing, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.” A storm is no time to have self-pity. We may think we have had more than our fair share of rough weather compared to others; but, comparing only breeds discontent. And who knows, but God may have more rainbows for those who persevere the fiercest storms. 

We can experience hope in a storm. Hebrews 6:19 says that hope is the anchor of the soul. As believers, our hope is in the person and saving work of Jesus Christ. He is our Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3). Remember, in the eye of the storm; he remains in control. No matter what you may think or feel, the truth is, he will not leave you alone. And the storm will not last forever. One little word from our God, and the storm will cease. 

“O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you? You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them” (Psalm 89:8-9, ESV).

Just as God is sovereign over a physical storm, he is also in control of whatever storm you are going through. It may not feel like it, but that is the truth. When the word comes from him, the storm will be stilled. In the meantime, let us be anchored firmly to Jesus Christ, our ever-present companion through every storm.