“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…” (Mark 4:39)

In Oklahoma, we understand how unpredictable the weather can be, especially in the spring. We have weather apps on our phones and text alerts for when severe weather strikes. For those of us who grew up here, we know how quickly the day can turn from bright and sunny to dark and stormy.

In October 2001, I lived in a small town that was hit by a tornado. On my way home from work, the wind picked up, and it started raining. Storms occur at any time of the year here, but I didn’t think it could be a tornado because it was so late in the year.

When I got home, I turned on the TV, and Gary England, renowned Oklahoma meteorologist, broke in to say those in my town needed to seek immediate shelter. The storm siren sounded, and I ran outside to see at least half the people on the block heading to my neighbors’ cellar. As we hustled into their storm shelter, we all looked up—and saw the tornado bearing down on us. We ducked into my neighbors’ storm shelter, waiting and praying. I discovered that day the train-like sound that many others who have lived through a tornado have described.

We emerged from the shelter to find our neighborhood exactly as we had left it. Later, we learned the tornado had turned just before it hit our neighborhood and hit the other side of town instead, damaging or destroying over 100 homes. Miraculously, no one in the town of approximately 2,500 people was killed or even injured.

In life, we face many storms. Some come up unexpectedly, but others are preceded by warning signs. Either way, Jesus will be with us just as he was there for his disciples when the storm erupted around them as they crossed the Sea of Galilee (Mt. 8:23-27; Mk. 4:35-41; Lk. 8:22-25).

Jesus knows we will see trouble in this world (Jn. 16:33), but he encourages us, through these passages, to have faith. He knows when the storms are coming. He has promised to be there for us as we walk through trials of many kinds: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut. 31:6) When we place our faith in Jesus, he will calm the storms of life raging around us.

Dear Jesus, thank you for calming the storms in my life. No matter what I face, I know you are there beside me, bringing me peace. Amen.