Have you ever had the opportunity to just sit on the beach and watch the waves? It’s mesmerizing. Some of them build so much strength that you feel as if you might need to move back. It seems like it might overtake you. Then, you watch it break and creep up on the shore as if it were never roaring. It leaves a few frothy bubbles and then it’s gone. Just like that! The Lord, Himself, is conducting a performance from His throne. You see, He’s the Sea Captain. The waves can only do what He allows. Then you set a firm boundary for the seas, so they would never again cover the earth. (‭Psalms‬ ‭104‬:‭9‬ NLT)

Isn’t this the way with life? One moment you’re relaxing, and the very next second everything is mounting. All it took was one bad report. No matter what the report is, it’s now running your life. Anxiety starts to build, worry is stirring and the horrible “what if’s” are bombarding your mind. It certainly looks as if it might overtake you. But God! Oh how I love a “but God”moment! When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. (NKJV 59:19) Did you notice this portion of scripture says “like a flood”?  It’s not a real flood. The enemy can only counterfeit the real. No, it’s a scary attempt to shift your focus on the peace of God to the chaos of this world. The next part of the scripture is key. The Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him. This standard is the very truth of God’s Word and who He is. Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ NLT) We have overwhelming victory in Jesus. Jesus fights on our behalf and gets our focus redirected with His truths. If we focus more on The Truth rather than the enemy wreaking havoc, we will stay at peace during the storm. It doesn’t always mean the storm will go away, but we will be at peace during it instead of tied up in anxious knots. 

It’s amazing how much damage water can do in the natural. Just a washing machine overflowing on the top floor of a house can create unspeakable repair costs. The overflowing “tsunamis” in our personal lives can create very costly troubles if we let them take over. Fortunately, God is in control of the storms and floods that come into our lives. He will only let them go so far before He sweeps in to save us. He will use the hard times to teach us valuable lessons about life but He won’t let us drown. “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” (‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭29-31‬ NLT) Peter took his eyes momentarily off of Jesus and put them back on the storm. That’s when he began to sink. But as usual, Jesus to the rescue!

He knows the storms you are facing in your life. He’s been through everything you will ever go through and He’s already conquered it. You already have the victory. You just have to walk in it. The enemy will tell you you’re not gonna make it. He will make everything look impossible. Scare tactics are all that he possesses. But God!! So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭18-19‬ NLT) God gives us His promises and never breaks them. He, alone, IS our hope. We need nothing else. 

So when you find yourself in a seemingly impossible situation, remember Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬ NLT). This is His promise to you. You can count on Him to be a beacon of light on a rough, stormy sea. The waves may be tall. The ocean of fear may be relentless. But you can look for the Light on the peaceful shore. He is always there. Let Jesus handle the boat. You’re not equipped on your own. This journey of life is meant to be traveled with the One who gives true life. Let the Sea Captain get you safely back to shore. 

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband, Robby and cat, Harold.