Morgan Tereul: Welcome to the Sandals Church podcast. My name is Morgan. And during this Advent season, we invite you to pause and reflect with us. Advent is a season of anticipation, a time to remember the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus brings as he became God with us. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, let's take a moment to step away from the busyness and center our minds on the one who gives every good and perfect gift.
Wherever you are, whether at home, out for a walk, or in the midst of a hectic day, let these words speak to your soul. May you be refreshed and filled with the unshakable hope, lasting peace, overflowing joy, and boundless love that only Christ can offer. Let's take this time together to listen and reflect.
Pastor Adam Workman: Today, we return to the sea, and we return to the storm. We can rely on hope to be our anchor when we find ourselves in turbulent waters. But how can we find peace in chaotic situations? Let's look to Jesus in Matthew chapter 8 and imagine yourself with him during the storm. Verse 23 begins, then he got into the boat, and his disciples followed him.
Suddenly, a furious storm came up on the lake, so the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him saying, Lord, save us. We're gonna 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. Let's focus for a moment on verse 24. Suddenly, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat, but Jesus was sleeping.
Can you imagine being on the boat with Jesus? Think about what the rocking of the boat feels like. Feel the wind, feel the waves, Feel the cold rain beating on your face, saturating your clothes. The disciples are yelling, we're gonna drown. Do you say this too?
Notice any thoughts and emotions that arise within you. Be aware of how you react to the chaos. Have you felt anything like this before? Perhaps you've been hit by one of life's storms, and you didn't think you'd make it through. Remember what that felt like.
Now, look at Jesus sleeping in the storm. He is at peace. He is at rest. The waves are sweeping over the boat crashing all around him. You can see he's just as wet as you are.
How is he able to rest in this furious storm? And yet, he does. He is certain about who he is, and more importantly, whose hands are holding him. He surrendered to God in the midst of the storm. How does it feel to see him at peace, to know that he is with you in the middle of the raging storm?
Take a moment to absorb Psalm 4 verse 8, which says, in peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, oh, Lord, will keep me safe. What does it say about your faith to lie down in peace despite the storm? Let's try it. You're on the boat. You're in the storm.
You don't know what's next or how long this will last, but you do know who you are and who is with you and that he's fully aware of your storm. He's not caught off guard or overwhelmed by your circumstances. He knows what you're feeling. He knows what's occupying your heart and your mind. Jesus loves you, and you can trust him.
He knows your situation. He knows your fears. He came for you. He died for you. He loves you.
He will give you peace.