If you’ve ever watched a 3D movie, you know that special glasses are required. The glasses have one red lense and one blue lense which are polarizing filters that, working together, create a 3D effect. If you take off the glasses while watching the movie, it will be blurry because without the glasses your perspective is skewed.

In the Book of Matthew we read the story of the disciples and Jesus caught in a violent storm at sea. Jesus is sleeping after an exhausting day of ministering to large crowds. The disciples are filled with fear, not sure their craft can navigate the waves and wind. As the storm closes in and intensifies, they are certain they will drown. They probably waited as long as they could to wake Jesus, respecting his need for rest. But they are freaking out!

Our lives are filled with stormy seasons. We get worried, anxious and afraid when unexpected problems suddenly arise. We anticipate the worst and worry whether we will be able to navigate and survive our difficulties. We often wait to rely on God, trying to control and manage the situation in our own power. We may even pray, but without an immediate answer, we think God doesn’t care or maybe is sleeping. Despite our knowledge of the damage worry causes to our health, emotions, and those around us, we still jump in with both feet. Why? Well, it seems we haven’t found a better answer, but there is a better answer!

Follow the instructions found in Philippians 4:6. Don’t worry about anything, pray about everything! Tell God what you need. Ask Him. Be specific. Talking to God reduces worry. Thank Him for all He has done in the past. Remembering His faithfulness and thanking him for being there in past storms brings peace and calm. The more time you spend with God, the more anxiety dissipates. Your vision clears!

At last the disciples decide to wake Jesus. They have reached the level of full-blown panic. Jesus immediately speaks to the winds and waves and everything becomes calm. When the God of the universe is in your boat, there’s a miracle coming. It may not be in the form you expect or want, but have no doubt, God has the power, the resources, the knowledge to do over and above all you can ask or think.

Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, he told his disciples that he was leaving them a gift—peace of mind and heart. Leave worry behind and claim this precious gift; it’s available to all Christ-followers. 

Scriptures – Matthew 8:23-24 (AMP); Matthew 8:25-26 (ESV); Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT); John 14:27 (NLT); Matthew 6:3 (NRSVUE); Matthew 8:26 (ESV); Matthew 8:27 (NLT); 1 Peter 5:7 (NCV)

Verses – And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Mt 8:25-26) The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” (Mt 8:27) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Ph 4:6) “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (Jn 14:27) 

Questions – When difficulties arise, are you more likely to go into full panic mode or stop, drop and pray? Why do we so quickly forget that God is doing life with us? How does remembering God’s past faithfulness encourage you in stormy seas? How do you attain the gift of peace of mind and heart that Jesus has given to his followers? What is your method of coping when a storm suddenly arises?

Prayer – Dear Father, as I grow closer to You, allow the peaceful power of Your presence to sweep over my spirit and over my life. I want to fully experience peace of heart and mind! Thank you for your faithfulness through all the trials of my life. May I never doubt your love and care! In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.