A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
Bible Verse
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’
“He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
“The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!'” — Matthew 8:23-27 (NIV)
Reflection
I have never slept through a tornado watch until last night. We don’t get many tornadoes where I live, but when they do come through, they scare me. I live on a second-floor apartment. No basement, not even a ground floor.
My landlord has told me if a tornado warning arises, I could call them even in the middle of the night and go to their basement next door. But how would that work in the middle of a pandemic with quarantine?
Even so, last night I felt incredible peace. During a late-night tornado watch, I prayed and went to sleep, fully trusting God. I slept peacefully. That has never happened before during such weather.
I woke a few times when the storm was really loud. Each time, I prayed for my friends and neighbors, prayed for protection, and asked God to calm the storm. These were not frantic prayers, but rather prayers rooted in the peace of God’s presence. And I went right back to sleep each time.
It wasn’t until I woke up this morning that I realized not only had the storm disappeared outside, but also God had calmed the storm inside of me. I took communion and gave thanks not only for God bringing us safely through the physical storm, but also for the peace He brought to my heart.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your peace that keeps us calm during whatever storms come our way. Thank You for calming the storms within us. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Thought for the Day
Where do you need more of God’s peace in your heart? Invite Him into those places and breathe in the peace that only His presence can bring.
Copyright © 2020, 2022 by Janet Eriksson; originally published by the author April 13, 2020; republished with permission.
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Janet Eriksson is an intercessor, writer, and teacher in Dahlonega, Georgia. She loves conversation with friends, front porch swings, sweet tea, and spending time on lakes and rivers. The author of nine books and editor of many more, Janet blogs and teaches online at https://adventureswithgod.blog/.
