Verse: Matthew 8: 23-24
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.

Devotion
How are you sleeping these days? As I have aged, I have found that I am not sleeping as well as I used to. It’s harder to get to sleep after a late exercise time or an exciting movie. Plus there are more breaks in my sleep.

Do you find that your mind starts to worry about the coming day or possibly the things that went wrong that day? I do and I have to write things down if I have a good idea right before bedtime or its washed away during sleep.

But in this passage, we have Jesus and his disciples in a boat when a furious storm comes up on the lake and Jesus is sleeping. Here are seasoned fishermen who have weathered many storms and yet they are scared.
Jesus is not having any trouble sleeping, even during this storm. Jesus isn’t concerned about the storm. He’s likely not surprised that it is happening. He is at peace and sleeping.

What is your storm today? Are the kids fighting, the bills unpaid, the boss yelling, the teacher giving a pop quiz? Are you stressed out from all the world events and strife? In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

As usual, this devotion is for me. I need to hear this today. Maybe you do too. Accept the peace that passes all understanding from Jesus for all the worries that you have today. Let the boat rock but be at peace with Jesus. Invite him into your boat. And have a great night’s sleep tonight.

Prayer
My Lord and my God, come into my life in all the trouble and turmoil that it is and help me find your peace. Let me know that you love me and are with me always.

Author: Brad Dunn