Life has an irritating habit of including storms.

In Luke 8:22-25, we are told, One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, He fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

An ordinary trip suddenly turned extra-ordinary. The disciples were not riding out their storm gracefully. Though they were seasoned sailors, accustomed to wild waves, this particular gale caused panic and great fear for their lives. Attempts to save themselves failed. They forgot Jesus was with them.

Panic has a habit of making us forgetful. When the disciples finally remembered Jesus was there, they shook Him awake and tried to communicate their terror. "Save us, Lord, we're dying! Don't you care that we're in great danger? How can you sleep through a storm like this? Don't you understand the seriousness of this situation?"

We can identify with the disciples' despair and panic. Rolling waves and frightening challenges of life make us afraid. Our efforts at control fail. "Save us, Lord, we perish!" is a cry we understand all too well. Life's turbulence causes fear.

We forget Jesus is in our boat.

In response to their frantic cries, the Lord scolded His disciples for their lack of faith. After admonishing them, Jesus stood upright in the wildly pitching boat and rebuked the wind and the waves. Peace. Be still!

He clearly reminded the disciples of a much greater truth. God was present in the storm. Strong winds and rolling waves held no fear for Him. Jesus has authority over all storms. His command brings immediate calm.

Do you need some refuge from the wind and waves today?

Whatever your storm, remember Jesus is in your boat, ready to either speak peace to the storm around you or to hold you close as you endure it.

Lord of all life's storms, nothing is impossible for You. Remind me that You are in the boat with me. Let me hear You speak peace to my heart, and give me faith to ride out the storms I face, knowing I am safe in Your arms.