But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
Matthew 8:26-27 NKJV
Knowing and trusting in the power of God can alleviate our fears.
As we get caught up in daily life, we often forget that not only is God powerful, but he is also almighty, holding every situation in his hands. From the tiniest flower to the furthest star, creation proclaims his power and attention to detail. In Matthew 6, Jesus even reminds us that he cares for the delicate lilies in the field and the sparrows in the air, and tells us how much more he cares for us (Matthew 6:25-34). Though our circumstances may not always look the way we want them to, we know that God is working every detail out to the ultimate good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).
Whether you’re struggling with understanding God, dealing with fear or anxiety, or lacking hope today, take time this week to spend time in nature. Watch a flower blow in the breeze, listen to a bird chirping in a tree, enjoy a sunrise or sunset, find a large tree to sit under, or watch the sun glisten on a pond or lake. Take a deep breath, admire the details, and remember that the God who created each of these things, who designed the sky above you, and who controls the weather around you, deeply loves and cares for you. Remember his power is greater than you can ever comprehend, and he uses it to draw you closer to him.
The disciples in Matthew 8:23-27 were afraid of the storm that raged around their boat, yet Jesus was peacefully sleeping in the boat, not unaware of the storm, but aware of both the storm and his power to control it. We can rest assured that Jesus has not forgotten us in our time of need. His timing is perfect, and while he does not always settle the raging storms in our lives, he always promises peace to those who believe in him, so we never have to worry or fear (John 14:27).
