THE GOD WHO SPEAKS PEACE TO TROUBLED WATERS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Mark 4:35-41
Supporting Texts: Psalm 107:28-30, Isaiah 43:2, John 14:27, Philippians 4:7, Nahum 1:7
INTRODUCTION:
Life is filled with seasons of calm and chaos, where even the most experienced believers encounter “storms” that test their faith. These storms may come in the form of family issues, financial setbacks, health challenges, or emotional breakdowns. The presence of a storm does not mean the absence of God; it is often an opportunity for divine revelation and intervention.
The Bible shows us a powerful scene in Mark 4:35-41 where Jesus, in the middle of a terrifying storm, simply speaks, “Peace, be still,” and immediately the wind and the sea obey Him. This act not only calmed the sea but also revealed His authority as the God over creation and crisis. The same Jesus who calmed the storm on Galilee still speaks peace to troubled waters today.
Knowing God as the One who speaks peace is both comforting and empowering. It reassures us that no matter how violent the winds or how high the waves, God’s word has the power to still them. As believers, we are invited to trust in this unchanging truth and draw strength from His presence in the storms of life.
1. GOD HAS SUPREME AUTHORITY OVER EVERY STORM
God’s voice carries supreme power over all the elements of nature and the circumstances of life.
a) His voice controls the elements
In Mark 4:39, Jesus spoke to the wind and sea, and they obeyed Him immediately. His authority is not partial but total.
b) No storm is greater than His power
Psalm 89:9 says, “Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.” No matter how strong the opposition, God reigns supreme.
c) Even nature recognises His lordship
Romans 8:20-21 reminds us that creation is subject to God and awaits His redemptive command.
d) He speaks peace in times of chaos
Isaiah 45:7 reveals God forms light and creates peace; when He speaks, turmoil must cease.
Biblical Example: In Exodus 14:21-22, when Israel faced the Red Sea, God caused the waters to part with a strong wind all night. What was a storm of destruction became a path of deliverance because God commanded the waters.
2. GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE STORM BRINGS CONFIDENCE
The presence of God is not a guarantee that storms won’t come, but a reassurance that we will survive them.
a) He is present even when silent
Jesus was asleep in the boat (Mark 4:38), yet fully in control. Silence does not mean absence.
b) His presence guarantees safety
Isaiah 43:2 declares, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.” No flood can drown the child of God.
c) Fear fades in the light of His presence
Psalm 23:4 shows that even in the valley of the shadow of death, His presence brings courage.
d) He calms our fears before He calms the storm
John 14:27 says, “Let not your heart be troubled.” Peace begins inside before it manifests outside.
Biblical Example: In Daniel 3:23-25, the Hebrew boys faced a fiery trial, but the presence of the fourth man in the fire brought assurance and deliverance. God didn’t stop the fire, but He neutralised its power.
3. GOD’S PEACE IS GREATER THAN HUMAN REASONING
The peace of God transcends human understanding and defies logical explanation.
a) It surpasses comprehension
Philippians 4:7 describes it as a peace that passes all understanding—calm in the face of chaos.
b) It guards the heart and mind
God’s peace acts as a shield over the emotions and intellect of the believer.
c) It is not circumstantial
Peace from God doesn’t depend on perfect conditions (Habakkuk 3:17-19); it flows from faith.
d) It is a fruit of trust
Isaiah 26:3 affirms, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.”
Biblical Example: In Acts 12:6-7, Peter was sleeping peacefully in prison the night before his execution. He had God’s peace, and God miraculously delivered him when the angel appeared.
4. GOD USES STORMS TO REVEAL HIMSELF
Every storm has a divine purpose—to grow, test, or reveal something about God and ourselves.
a) Storms are platforms for divine manifestation
The disciples saw a new side of Jesus after the storm in Mark 4:41. They exclaimed, “What manner of man is this?”
b) They build spiritual maturity
James 1:2-4 teaches that trials work patience and completeness in us.
c) They strip us of self-reliance
In storms, we realise our limits and God’s sufficiency (2 Corinthians 12:9).
d) They prepare us for greater assignments
After the storm, the disciples went on to do greater works in ministry with deeper trust in Jesus.
Biblical Example: In Jonah 1:4-17, the storm led Jonah to repentance and realignment with God’s purpose. God used it to bring revival to Nineveh.
5. GOD’S WORD IS THE KEY TO PEACE
The Word of God carries the same power today as when Jesus spoke audibly to the storm.
a) Peace is found in God’s promises
Psalm 119:165 declares, “Great peace have they which love thy law.”
b) His Word calms the troubled soul
Jeremiah 15:16 speaks of God’s Word as joy and delight in affliction.
c) Faith is activated by the Word
Romans 10:17 shows that faith comes by hearing God’s Word—faith to trust Him in the storm.
d) Meditation on the Word brings stability
Psalm 1:2-3 describes the one who meditates on God’s Word as unshaken, like a tree by the rivers.
Biblical Example: In Luke 5:4-6, Jesus gave Peter a Word—“Launch out into the deep.” At His Word, the failed fisherman caught a great haul. His Word turns frustration into fruitfulness.
CONCLUSION:
Storms may be inevitable, but they are not undefeatable. Every believer will encounter troubled waters at some point, but we are not to be overwhelmed by them. We serve a God who is not only aware of our situation but has power over it. He speaks peace where others panic. He calms storms others drown in. Trusting in Him is the pathway to victory in every turbulent season.
Let us learn to focus on the presence and Word of God in the middle of chaos. As He once said, “Peace, be still,” He is still saying the same today. Listen, believe, and receive the peace that surpasses understanding. Your storm may not stop immediately, but your heart can find calm while the winds still blow.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, speak peace into every storm of my life today.
2. Lord, silence every raging wind troubling my soul and destiny.
3. Father, teach me to trust Your presence even when You seem silent.
4. Every storm sent to derail my purpose, be still in Jesus' name.
5. I receive the peace of God that passes all understanding.
6. Lord, reveal Yourself to me in the midst of my troubles.
7. Let Your Word calm every anxiety in my heart.
8. Every storm orchestrated by the enemy against my family, be silenced now.
9. Father, let my faith remain unshaken through every trial.
10. I declare divine calmness over every area of confusion in my life.
