WHEN WE HEAR the word “storm,” most of us think about bad weather—wind, lightning, thunder, and rain. Growing up in Oklahoma, I learned all about storms. Tornado warnings in the middle of the night were the worst! My mom would wake me up and rush us into the closet under the stairs. I can still remember my heart pounding and the fear of not knowing what would happen. Would our house be hit this time? Would the storm pass by? That uncertainty is what makes storms so unsettling.
Life can feel the same way. We all face storm seasons when the outcome is uncertain—a diagnosis we didn’t anticipate, a relationship that falls apart, or a sudden financial crisis. We can’t control these moments, and like the disciples in the boat with Jesus, we sometimes wonder, “Doesn’t He care that I’m drowning?” (See Mark 4:38.) But the truth is, Jesus is always with us in the storm.
There was a time in my life when I asked God the same question: “Why is this happening?” I was cleaning my bathroom one day, crying and praying, when the Lord gently spoke to my heart: “You’re asking the wrong question. Stop asking why—ask who is with you in the storm.” That moment changed everything. I realized that peace doesn’t come from understanding “why” the storm happens. It comes from knowing “who” is with me in it.
Even when we are right in the center of God’s will, storms can still come. In Mark chapter 4, the disciples were obeying Jesus when the storm struck. But Jesus was with them, calm and in control. He rebuked the wind and the waves, and peace was restored. Jesus never promised life would be free of storms, but He did promise to be our peace through every storm (John 16:33).
TAKE HEART
When Jesus told His followers to “take heart,” He was calling them to action. The Greek word for that phrase means to have unwavering courage—a bold inner confidence that comes from the Spirit of God. Taking heart isn’t something we do on our own. It’s a spiritual response that says, “I refuse to let fear lead me. I choose courage because Jesus is in my boat.”
Whatever storm you’re facing today, remember this: Jesus will be exactly what you need Him to be. He is the calm, the joy, the comfort, the focus, and the voice that steadies you through it all.
THE CALM IN THE STORM
In Mark 4:39 (NLT), Jesus said, “‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” The same Jesus who calmed the natural storm can also calm the emotional and spiritual storms in your heart. Philippians 4:6–7 tells us that when we pray and share our needs with God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. The first step toward peace is talking to Him about everything that concerns you. When you release your worries in prayer, you make room for His calm to take over.
THE JOY IN THE STORM
James 1:2 (NIV) encourages us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials. Joy doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine; it’s choosing to rejoice because you recognize the storm is temporary. Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) states, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Even science confirms that laughter and joy promote healing in the body. Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice. When you decide to embrace joy, you shift your focus from the storm to the Savior.
THE COMFORTER IN THE STORM
Psalm 34:18 (NIV) says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Jesus is our greatest comforter. Sometimes His comfort comes through people—a friend’s text, a prayer, or a simple act of kindness. Don’t push those moments away. They are God’s way of wrapping His arms around you. And remember, you can also be His hands and feet to someone else who’s hurting. When God puts someone on your heart, reach out. Don’t just ask, “Can I help?” Simply show up and be the comfort they need.
THE FOCUS IN THE STORM
When Peter walked on the water, he was fine until he looked at the wind and waves. As soon as he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink (Matt. 14:30). Focus is a storm-changer. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus—the Author and Finisher of our faith. He anchors our souls when emotions try to take over. When you focus on Him, your thoughts settle, your heart steadies, and your confidence returns.
THE VOICE IN THE STORM
Jesus doesn’t remain silent when you call on Him. His Word speaks to every storm you face. Whether it’s healing, provision, or peace, find what the Bible says and speak it out loud. His Word is living and powerful. When you say what He says, you release His authority into your situation. Jesus is the voice that still speaks to storms today—and they still obey Him.
We might not always understand “why” storms come, but we can always know “who” is with us during them. Jesus is our anchor. He is our calm, our joy, our comfort, our focus, and our voice. Keep your eyes on Him, and you will make it safely to the other side.
Ask yourself today, “Who is in my storm?” Take a moment to name what you need Jesus to be right now—your peace, your comfort, your joy—and call on Him to fill that role.Author
Denise Hagin Burns
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