Times like this feel like a gathering storm. News of attacks around the world, claiming innocent lives, the pandemic continuing to affect our everyday lives and take so many people that we love--when will it all end?

Confusing times require honest questions

This pandemic took us by surprise. None of us are fully protected. Any of us could be among those who lose their lives or their loved ones.

Where is God in all of this? Does He even care about the sick, or that people are scared, traumatized, lost and insecure? Where do we go for answers? For protection? How do you ride out such a storm, knowing you’re so vulnerable?

Calling on God–and finding Him close at hand

Twelve men faced an overwhelming storm over 2,000 years ago - one that threatened to end their lives. They were out at sea in an open boat, when a great storm suddenly arose. As the waves crashed over the boat, threatening to sink it, they remembered that they were not alone: Jesus was also there. He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. They shook him awake, demanding, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38)

We may ask that same question in the midst of the storm we’re witnessing. “God, do you not care that we are perishing?” As we read on in the story of the disciples’ storm, we find out that God does care, for Jesus rebuked the wind and waves with just a word: “Peace. Be still!” (Mark 4:39) The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Asking His help for the troubled world and the troubled heart

When we see the storms raging around us, we can become overwhelmed by storms of fear and insecurity. Such storms can only be calmed by that same soothing voice of God: “Peace, Be Still. I am in the boat with you.”