November 20

Stilling Life's Storms

He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed. They rejoiced in the silence, and He guided them to the harbor they desired. — Ps 107:29-30 BSB

This psalm presents five vivid pictures of life. First, we see travelers lost in the wilderness (Psalm 107:4-9); then, prisoners sitting in darkness (Psalm 107:10-16); next, we are taken to a sick room (Psalm 107:17-22); after that, we witness a violent storm at sea (Psalm 107:23-32); and finally, we see a barren desert transformed into fertile land (Psalm 107:33-38). Four times, the psalmist calls people to praise the Lord for His goodness, and the psalm ends with a reflection that all who are wise will take to heart God’s various acts of loving-kindness.

In every life, there are times of chaos and storm. We are buffeted by waves of trouble, and it feels as though we will never reach the harbor of peace and rest. Some people resign themselves to these experiences as inevitable, while others try to dull their fears and ignore their suffering. But faith cuts through the fog and storm clouds, establishing a strong connection with the throne of the Eternal Father. This is what the New Testament calls the “anchor for the soul,” and no matter how fierce the storm on earth, the soul that clings to God is safe. “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.”

Perhaps you are currently facing a storm of external troubles. Wave after wave crashes down on you, as one calamity follows another, and you feel as though the little boat of your life will be overwhelmed. Look up to God and cry out to Him. He sees you and will not allow you to be engulfed.

Or perhaps you are going through inner turmoil. Your heart has been broken; someone you trusted has failed you, and now your skies are dark and stormy. The only refuge for your soul is to turn to Him who holds the winds in His hand, who cannot forget or forsake those who cry out to Him.

Prayer

O God, we praise Your Name for Your goodness to us and for Your wonderful works toward all people. May Your gentle voice calm our fears and still the storms of life. Amen.