Beloved, if someone were to ask you, “What is your favorite verse in the Bible?”—would you find yourself pausing for a moment? Perhaps even scratching your head, not because you don’t know, but because so many verses come rushing to mind all at once? There are simply too many that have spoken to me in different seasons of life.

But I can share one of my favorite Bible stories. In fact, it means so much to me that I bought a painting of it and hung it in my bedroom—a daily reminder of its message. So let me share it with you. This account is recorded in the Gospels—Matthew 8, Mark 4, and Luke 8.

After Jesus left in a boat with his disciples, a terrible storm suddenly struck the lake, and waves started splashing into their boat. Jesus was sound asleep, so the disciples went over to him and woke him up. They said, “Lord, wake up! Save us before we drown!” But Jesus replied, “Why are you so afraid? You surely don’t have much faith.” Then he got up and ordered the wind and the waves to calm down. And everything was calm. (Matthew 8:23-27, CEV)

What I love about this Bible story is that the storm arose while they were crossing the Sea of Galilee. It was so fierce that even seasoned fishermen like Peter, John, James, and Andrew feared the boat might sink and that they would all go under. In their fear, they rushed to where the Lord Jesus was sleeping and woke Him, pleading for Him to save them as water poured into the boat. Chaos broke out—some of the disciples hurried to wake Jesus, while others frantically scooped up seawater and threw it overboard. The boat was lifted high by the waves and then slammed down violently, with water rushing in. Yet it did not capsize, overturn, or break apart. Through it all—the noise, the panic, the crashing waves, and the water splashing everywhere—our Lord Jesus was sleeping soundly on a cushion at the stern of the boat, undisturbed, unshaken, at perfect peace.

Beloved, whatever you are going through right now—whatever burdens you carry, whatever trials seem too heavy, and whatever emotions rise like waves and threaten to overwhelm you—hear this: the Lord Jesus is in the boat with you. You are safe.

No matter how dark your horizon may seem, no matter how weary your heart feels, or how close you are to giving up, you are not alone. He is with you.

The Lord Jesus is shielding you in the storm. The God who created you is faithful. He will sustain you—mentally, physically, and spiritually. He will carry you through every season, uphold you in your circumstances, and keep you from sinking when the waters rise.

You are safe because our Lord Jesus is never far when you cry out to Him—He is right there in the boat with you, always.

If you are watching the news and learning about the latest updates on the wars, and it brings sadness and gloom to your heart… or if you are living in Russia, Ukraine or the Middle East, and every day you wonder, “When will the war end? Will peace reign again and allow everyone to catch their breath? What will the rest of 2026 bring—more unrest, or perhaps a silver lining, a hope of calmer days ahead?”

Here is the truth we must never forget: The same Jesus who slept through the storm is the same Jesus who speaks peace into it. The storm did not wake Him in fear—the cry of His disciples did. And when He rose, the wind and the waves had no choice but to obey. So even if your storm has not yet calmed… even if the winds are still howling and the waves are still rising… do not lose heart. Because the One who commands the storm is already in your boat. And at His word—everything can change.

I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. (Isaiah 46:4, NLT)

Believe. Trust that God is in total control.