In the Storm

Mark 4:35-41

May 22, 2026

A few years ago, I was traveling with a group in Israel. We arrived at the Sea of Galilee, checked into our resort, and gathered for dinner when a fierce storm swept across the region. The power went out, and we sat in the dark for hours as winds and rain pounded the rooftops, windows, and the shoreline.

The next morning, we were amazed by the damage—fallen trees, scattered debris, and missing rooftops. Yet the blue sky and crisp morning air offered no memory of the raging storm from the night before. The lake was peaceful, calm, and still. We boarded a boat and sailed across the tranquil waters of the Sea of Galilee. This is the same lake where Jesus and His disciples were caught in a fierce storm. The Sea of Galilee offered each of us a memorable lesson.

On that day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them in the boat, just as He was. And other boats were with Him.
- Mark 4:35-36

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
- Mark 4:37

Fierce storms can arise quickly on the Sea of Galilee. Even experienced fishermen know how dangerous, rough, and life-threatening the wind and waves can be. The disciples were gripped by fear and panic, crying out to Jesus.

But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
- Mark 4:38

Can you hear the fear and panic in their question? “Don’t You care that we are all going to drown?” They were likely angry that Jesus was asleep in the boat’s stern. The text even says His head rested on a pillow. (That’s an interesting detail the Gospel writer included.) Jesus was fast asleep as the winds howled and the boat filled with water.

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
- Mark 4:39-41

Jesus rebuked the wind and commanded the waves to be still. Peace! Calm! Then Jesus addressed the disciples directly. “Why are your hearts filled with fear? Even after all the time we have spent together, your faith is lacking.” Adrenaline still rushed through their veins, and their eyes were wide with fear.

The disciples still had much to learn about Jesus. Their fearful hearts posed bold questions. Who is this man? Is it possible that the wind and the sea obey His voice?

That morning, our group witnessed a calm sea—no wind or raging waves. But the night before, we had endured a violent storm.

We all know life is full of storms. You may be in a storm of your own—not on the Sea of Galilee, but in your life, your family, or your personal faith. Your words may echo the disciples’ question, “Don’t you care that I might perish?”

Friends, our faith is weak, and it’s hard to believe and trust when we’re in the middle of the storm. Receive these words of encouragement today. He hears your cries and sees every tear. Remember, the wind and the sea obey Him!

Head to Heart

Bring your personal storm to Jesus. Here is a simple poem for your time of reflection.

Peace, Be Still
Brenda H. McCord
When the waves crash hard against my weary soul,
I know He hears my cries.
In the heart of the storm, Jesus is with me.
Peace, be still — My Savior, I trust You.
The winds are fierce, and the waves rise,
Darkness closes in from every side.
Even when the billows roll, I know Jesus is near.
Peace, be still — My Savior’s love will not let go.
So I will lift my eyes above the swelling sea,
For every storm must bow before Him.
I will fix my gaze on Jesus’ face.
Peace, be still — My Savior is Lord of all.