Daily Devotional | His Presence in a Storm

Picture a storm at sea. A ship is being tossed about in the crashing waves, its crew fearing for their lives. Then, in the distance, a lighthouse beam cuts through the darkness and storm. The sailors recognize the landmark, relieved that there’s a safe route home. In Matthew 14, Jesus Himself serves as a lighthouse to His disciples during an actual storm at sea.

Immediately after feeding the five thousand (vv. 15–21), Jesus sends His disciples on ahead of Him to cross the Sea of Galilee while He retreats to pray (vv. 22–23). During the night, a violent storm arises, and the disciples then see Jesus walking toward them on the water (vv. 24–26). Initially they are terrified, but they soon find comfort when Jesus yells out to them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (v. 27), and He climbs into the boat with them.

Jesus certainly does not pro- mise an absence of storms, but His presence assures us that we are never alone in facing them. As we navigate life’s challenges, let us remember the words of Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Despite adverse conditions, God’s presence is our refuge and strength. We can take courage knowing He is with us, offering His comforting voice and guiding presence amidst the storms.

This passage contains another one of the five times in the book of Matthew where Jesus characterizes the disciples as those of “little faith” (v. 31). In this case, it’s because of their little faith and because they fear for their safety despite Jesus’ presence.

Remember, during your challenges Jesus still cries out to you “It is I.” His presence is all you need to weather the fiercest storms. He even offers to climb into the boat with you!

Go Deeper

Knowing what they did about Jesus, why do you think the disciples were still so terrified? What can we learn from this example?

Pray with Us: You told Your disciples during the storm at sea: “Take courage!” (Matt. 14:27). We are listening, Lord. What a joy it is to know that You are with us in the storms of life!

BY James Coakley

Dr. Jim Coakley is professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute. He earned his BA in Pastoral Studies from Calvary Bible College, his M.Div. and Th.M. in Old Testament from Grace Theological Seminary, and his doctorate from Covenant Theological Seminary. Jim is the author of 14 Fresh Ways to Enjoy the Bible (Moody Publishers). He and his wife, Gayle, live in the western suburbs of Chicago and have two adult children and three grandchildren.