Daily Devotions - God is mightier than the storm

Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)
Jesus Calms the Storm
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

 

Which would frighten you more, the storm or Jesus?

 

Lord, You are mightier than the power of the winds, the shaking of the ground, the exploding of volcanoes, heavy rains, blinding snow, and the brutal cold. The forces of nature can be terrifying, unpredictable, and can kill and destroy. When we witness the move of Your mighty hand and see the results of Your power, it is also terrifying. To be in the presence of Almighty God who created all things and is the Master of all things is more than humbling. It demonstrates how big You are and it makes me realize how small and vulnerable I am in comparison. It exposes my sinfulness and how I have betrayed You. It demonstrates how much I depend on You for everything. You are more powerful than the biggest storm and it obeys You. I know that sometimes You use fierce storms to get my attention and to reach me. Lord, today there is a furious squall surrounding me. Waves are breaking down the safety of my boat of life. Please rebuke the winds and waves. Let them be still at Your command. Help me to not be afraid. Help me to have faith in You. Help me to trust You through the storm and show me what I am to learn from it. Lord, I fall to my knees in awe, wonder, and reverent fear in Your presence. I thank You that You see how I have failed You but You love me enough to die for me. You save me from my sins, from the powers of evil, and from the storms that cause chaos in my life. Let me have a respectful fear of Your mightiness but not be afraid. For You are a gracious, loving, and forgiving God. You are a mighty and powerful God, worthy of my worship and praise.  Amen