Reflections of Grace

PEACE IN THE STORM

Scripture

Psalms 107:23-32

²³Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;²⁴they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep.²⁵For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea.²⁶They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight;²⁷they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end.²⁸Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.²⁹He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.³⁰Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.³¹Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!³²Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

Reflect

1.The sailors see the works of the Lord in the deep. How does a difficult season help you see God’s power more clearly?
2.The sailors cried to the Lord in their trouble. What is keeping you from crying out to God with raw honesty instead of trying to steady the ship yourself?
3.What is the difference between panicking in the storm and crying out to God in it, and how can you cultivate the latter response?
4.When was the last time you stopped to thank God for a deliverance he has already carried you through?

Exposition

Some storms are too strong for us. We may plan, prepare, and do our best, but there are moments when life rises like a violent sea. The waves feel too high and the wind feels too loud. Our courage melts, and we reach the end of what we know how to do. describes sailors who went down to the sea and saw the works of the Lord in the deep. But what they saw was not only beauty. They also saw a storm so fierce that they reeled and staggered like drunken men. Their skill was gone. They were at their wits’ end. Then they cried to the Lord, and he brought them out of their distress. He made the storm still. He hushed the waves. He brought them to their desired haven. The God who rules the deep is not threatened by the storm. What overwhelms us is still under his command. And here is the grace that holds you: your wits’ end is God’s starting point. You do not have to calm the storm before you call on him. You only have to cry out. And God does not require perfect faith; he responds to honest desperation. So cry out to him. Do not wait until you feel brave. Pray from the middle of the waves. The God who stills storms also steadies hearts. Let your distress become a doorway to dependence, and let his deliverance become a reason for praise.

Prayer

“Father, you see the storms that leave me weary, afraid, and unsure of what to do. Teach me to cry out to you instead of relying only on my own strength. Still my heart and guide me through what I cannot control. Bring me to the place of peace and help me praise you for your faithful care.”

LWNRA · Daily Word

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