Peace in the Midst of the Storm

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:25-27)
     Passage: Psalm 119:161-168

         The Apostle Matthew recorded in his gospel account a time when he and the other disciples were in a boat with Jesus when a violent storm came up on the Sea of Galilee. (Matt. 8:23-27) The storm pounded the boat so hard, the disciples thought they were doing to drown. During the entire time, Jesus was asleep. The disciples woke Him and called out “Lord, save us!” After Jesus asked why they were afraid, He rebuked the winds and the waves, and the storm immediately stopped.
        On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus knew the distress and anxiety His disciples felt. He gave them a word which laid out principles for dealing with life’s storms: Have faith; focus on heaven; follow God’s purposes. Through every trial, you can experience God’s peace. The peace Jesus gives is not the absence of a storm. It is peace in the midst of a storm. It comes through the Holy Spirit at work as you rest in Christ and hold on to His Word. You are never alone when you have Jesus.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)