Smile at the Storm
Bible Verses about Fear
An old Sunday School song goes like this:
With Christ in the vessel, I can smile at the storm,
Smile at the storm,
Smile at the storm.
With Christ in the vessel, I can smile at the storm,
As we go sailing home.
The song is based upon a story told in three of the Gospels in the New Testament.
At Jesus’ request, the twelve disciples begin a routine evening trip across Lake Galilee. A storm strikes—one so ferocious that it horrifies the tough fishermen, who have mastered the lake for years. In their panic, they are not thinking clearly and are astounded that their great Teacher, Jesus, could sleep at a time like this. They awaken him and their first words in Mark 4:35-41 are, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
Actually, they aren’t perishing yet. No one’s been pitched overboard. No one’s gotten more than drenched by the enormous waves. Their muscles ache from rowing against the wind, and the storm doesn’t seem to be letting up. Every time the boat tosses from wave to wave, they think it will finally flip over, scattering them all into the violent water. They imagine that then they will have to dog-paddle and fight to stay afloat until one by one they sink to the bottom of the lake.
It has happened to others; it’s happening to us, they think. Have you ever thought that? They were afraid of what had not happened yet – what might not happen at all. But still: there is a storm.
And there is Jesus, peacefully snoozing, where they had stashed him because He knew nothing about sailing. Doesn’t He realize that He’s going to drown too? “Teacher, don’t you care that we are going to drown?” What did they expect Him to do? Bail water?
Jesus got up and told the winds and waves, “Peace, be still.” Immediately the storm calmed. They did not expect that.
“Why are you afraid?” He asked them, “How is it that you have no faith?” The word for ‘afraid’ here is actually the word for cowardly. “Why are you cowards? Don’t you have any faith?”
Well, the disciples probably never thought of using their faith against gale-force winds. Rowing seemed like a better idea. They did not answer because now they were really afraid – but it wasn’t cowardice this time. It was genuine fear for a good reason. For if that storm was to be feared, how much more should they fear this Person, who obviously controlled that storm?
Jesus was not seeking their fear, however. He wanted their faith and trust. His lesson was that nothing can happen to the person who stays right by Jesus’ side. The safest place on the entire face of the earth that night was on that stormy lake with Jesus.
The only time when the disciples had every right to fear the future was during the three days in which Jesus was arrested, falsely accused, beaten, and eventually crucified and buried. If the Son of God was gone for good, then no one was in control, and they had every right to be alarmed by their future.
Jesus rose from the dead, however, to prove His victory even over death. With the Holy Spirit living inside them, Jesus’ disciples had no reason to fear anything or anyone ever again. He told them that all power and authority had been given to Him and He promised to be with them always, “even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). All of His power and authority would shelter and protect, guide and empower them.
There was nothing left to fear, for He had conquered the ultimate fear: the fear of our most terrible enemy, death.
Scary things happen. The best way to deal with them is to be in the boat with Jesus. If you don’t know Him, you can’t know how trustworthy He is. Believing that Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead to prove that He did, indeed, die for your sins is the hardest step to take.
Peace and safety is having Jesus in your boat. But you have to want Him there. He will interfere with your life as it is right now. The alternative, however, is to go through life alone, without Him. Some other words Jesus spoke to His disciples:
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. . .. I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
“Seek [God’s] kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom” (Matthew 12:31-32).
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).