The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. We know this.
The most direct route? The fastest way of accomplishing tasks? We like this.
Efficiency and speed make us happy. But life moments aren’t always conducive to efficiency and speed and they rarely make us feel like we’re going in a straight line.
We often use more accurate ways to describe how we see life.
A roller coaster? Sometimes.
Hill and valleys? Often.
Mountainous terrain? Occasionally.
A journey? Definitely.
But it’s rarely a straight line—or a bed of roses.
Sometimes the course of life events can seem strange. One minute, things are normal—you’re focused, meeting your goals, accomplishing tasks, even serving the Lord. The next thing you know, the unexpected completely interrupts your somewhat routine life.
We start the day with a couple challenges on our minds and end it with the unthinkable dominating our thoughts.
It’s no wonder the Lord wisely encouraged us not to worry about tomorrow.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Mark 6:34)
He was well aware of the world we would live in during our time on earth and what we would encounter and face in our daily lives. Culture, war, famine, disease—the Lord saw it all and yet still encouraged us to live our lives free from fear. It would seem impossible, except for the fact that this is the God who tells us “these things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Our all-knowing, all-powerful God lets us know that, yes, things are going to be challenging, but we can actually have peace during those times because of what He’s done—He’s overcome.
What He doesn’t tell us is to live life with the expectation that all will be perfect and free from chaos.
Life was great—once. And then Adam and Eve were disobedient.
Thankfully God has a plan to make all things new again when His Son returns to rule as King on the earth.
But until then, there are real storms in life.
Sickness, bankruptcy, incurable diseases, untimely death, injustice, prejudice, unbelievable acts of random violence . . .
Instead of entering His gates with thanksgiving, we’re ready to storm them with our list of all the things that need to be fixed, acting as if our great God has somehow overlooked the details of our lives.
Many times we can find ourselves like the disciples on the Lake of Galilee.
Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. (Luke 8:22–26)
In the midst of all that is happening, we forget what the Lord said we were going to accomplish together. We question His goodness and care. We panic and become fearful.
But we don’t have to be fearful, anxious, or even worried by what we see, experience, or encounter. Regardless of the height of the waves, God is actually greater. Despite the ferocity of the winds, He has all power. And He makes Himself available to us.
And although we can feel the reality of our lack of control, there are steps we can take to stay calm and maintain our peace in the midst of the storm.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
In our day, the temptation to worry can be great. And as good Christians, we sometimes refuse to worry, opting instead to delve into that all-too-familiar place of simply being “concerned.” When we read Jesus’ words not to worry or to “fear not,” there are times we take it as an unreasonable request. However, this is a command the Lord gives to us so that we engage His power to live it out.
We don’t refuse worry based on our feelings, but instead we choose to take hold of the truth: We have unhindered access to the Prince of Peace, even in the most challenging situations. He is our hope and our deliverer, the one who is victorious and undefeated and humbly calls Himself our Helper.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” (Psalm 23:5)
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
Even when things feel uncontrollable, there is Someone who actually has all power and authority to change situations and circumstances. When we feel helpless, He remains stable, steadfast, and faithful. When we feel we’re out of options, He holds all creative power.
And when our God speaks, things happen.
He easily commands the wind and the waves He created and they immediately comply, without hesitation.
So let us take comfort in the fact that what God says will happen will actually come to pass. When He speaks to you about where He is taking you, you can rest assured that you will arrive in that place, regardless of how things look; and when you do, you will marvel at His ability and power.
Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters,
They see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.
For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea . . . Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. (Psalm 107:23–29)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8)
As painful and caustic as life’s circumstances can be, we’re often exhorted to look up to the One who is able and willing to help us in our time of need. It’s only when we look to Jesus that the troubles of life can even be seen as “light and momentary affliction” that will pale in comparison to what He has awaiting us.
We have a Good Shepherd who guides us through each and every challenge in the way that is best for us, tailoring His guidance to best lead us. And regardless of the strength of the storm, we can look to the One who is stronger and know the destination He has set before us is victory.
You shall seek them and not find them—those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:12–13)
Throughout life, as storms arise, agitation and the temptation to worry may call our names. But in those moments, as the winds pick up and the waves become choppy, we can choose peace.
Without denying what’s happening, we can rest assured that the One who dwells within is greater. Because during our most unexpected and challenging moments, He is sovereign and Lord over the storm.
The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. (Psalm 93:4)
