One Christian painting depicts a raging storm and some people in the water about chest deep. Floating tree limbs are crashing against waves, and torrents of rain are pelting everything in sight.
People are thrashing around in the water to stay alive, but one person is doing nothing other than lying still in the arms of a whitish, glowing figure who is Jesus.
Jesus is standing in the water, in the storm, calmly, confidently and capably holding the person. That picture is framing for us an awareness that even in the storm, the peace and presence of Jesus rules.
“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
I’ve developed personal belief statements to help me lead my thoughts away from lies and into the truths of Jesus. I speak and pray over them every morning, and unpack them during the day’s storms.
One of them says this, “Peace is the gift of Jesus. I don’t plan, analyze or control it, but Jesus does. I believe in him. Jesus is bigger than my problems.”
Along with that belief statement, I meditate on these words from Jesus, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
Hold Jesus like you hold an umbrella in the rain. You don’t expect the umbrella to stop the rain, but to protect you from it. Jesus doesn’t always stop the storm, but there is one thing he promises. You will be safe in his arms.
PRAYER: Jesus, you give me peace that I can never find in this world, but I keep looking in this world for peace. Cover me with your mercy, Lord, and by your grace extend your peace to me once more. I am praying for the faith to see beyond what I see, and to believe. Amen.
EVANGELISM ACTION: Share this with a friend going through a storm right now.