Rest Amid Storms
- Henley Samuel
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
August 20, 2025
In life's chaotic moments, we often find ourselves tossing and turning, our minds filled with worries and anxieties. Yet, there's a profound lesson to be learned from Jesus, who slept peacefully on a cushion while a fierce storm raged around Him. Today, let's explore how we can find perfect rest even when life's storms threaten to overwhelm us.
The Power of Undisturbed Peace
When Jesus and His disciples set out across the Sea of Galilee, He made a simple yet powerful declaration: "Let us go over to the other side." This wasn't merely a suggestion, it was a divine promise. Despite the violent storm that arose, Jesus remained in perfect peace, sleeping soundly on a cushion while the disciples panicked.
"But Jesus was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?'" - Mark 4:38
This scene reveals something remarkable about true faith. While the disciples were frantically bailing water, Jesus rested in complete confidence. He knew that if He said they were going to the other side, nothing, not even a raging storm could prevent it.
The Battlefield of the Mind
Many of us experience storms not on water but in our minds. These mental tempests can be more devastating than physical ones, thoughts of past hurts, worries about what others have said, or anxieties about the future. The mind truly is the battleground where our peace is won or lost.
When these thoughts assault us, especially at night when we're trying to sleep, we can be certain they aren't from God. Anything that robs us of rest comes from the enemy, attempting to distract us from God's promises and purposes.
God's Promise of Peaceful Rest
The Psalmist gives us a beautiful promise that we can claim:
"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." - Psalm 4:8
This isn't a prayer asking God for peace, it's a declaration of trust. When we truly believe we're in God's hands, anxiety and depression lose their grip. We can lie down in perfect peace, knowing our safety comes from Him alone.
Refusing to Engage with Negative Thoughts
When the enemy brings up your past, remind him of his future. When he reminds you of your failures, remind him of Christ's victory on the cross. Your future is secure in God's hands but the enemy's fate is sealed.
Too often, we engage with negative thoughts, which leads us to blame others for our circumstances. This mindset subtly suggests that God couldn't or wouldn't help us. Instead, we must take accountability and recognize God's sovereignty in every situation.
Your Cushion Moment
Just as Jesus had His cushion, you need your own symbol of rest. Perhaps it's an actual pillow that reminds you to trust God completely. Visualize yourself resting like Jesus did undisturbed by the storms around you.
Tell the enemy: "Just like Jesus slept through the storm 2,000 years ago, I'm going to sleep in perfect peace. Throw whatever you want at me, but I'm resting in God's promises. Good night!"
Conclusion
No matter what storms you face whether financial pressures, health concerns, relationship troubles, or work stress you can find perfect rest in God's presence. Like Joseph who remained focused on God's promises despite being sold into slavery and falsely accused, you too can rise from the pit to the palace.
Your peace doesn't depend on your circumstances but on who is with you in the boat. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, dwells within you, and His peace is your inheritance.
Reflect on This
What specific "storms" in your life have been robbing you of peace and rest?
How might your perspective change if you truly believed Jesus' words that "we are going to the other side" apply to your current situation?
Prayer
I declare that I am a child of God, resting in perfect peace regardless of the storms around me. I trust completely in Your promises, Lord. No report, no circumstance, no word spoken against me can disturb my rest because You are my protector and my peace. I sleep soundly knowing my future is secure in Your hands. The enemy has no power over my mind or my rest. I am safe in Your presence now and always. Amen.
Key Takeaways
Jesus' ability to sleep during the storm demonstrates the peace available to all believers.
Mental battles often intensify at night, but recognizing their source helps us reject them.
True faith declares "I will lie down in peace" rather than begging God for peace.
When we blame others for our circumstances, we subtly deny God's sovereignty.
Your peace doesn't depend on your situation but on who is with you in your "boat."
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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.
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