Calm in the Storm: Finding Peace in the Waves of Anxiety

There may not be a lot that we can guarantee in this life, but we know that change is inevitable. The notion of change doesn’t always present as a wild adventure but sometimes feels disruptive and chaotic. For those of us who have had a history of anxiety, even the smallest changes threaten to tip us over and capsize our boat on the seas of life.

While we may not be able to control all that comes or goes, we can choose how to respond. Looking to Scripture gives some guidance on strengthening our hearts for the unforeseen when we consider the life and travels of Jesus and His disciples.

Encouragement for when you’re feeling anxious

The Gospels present a handful of miracles where Jesus engaged His followers on the water. Once, they encountered a storm and encountered Jesus in an unexpected form, initially believing Him to be a ghost (Matthew 14:23-32).

In our lives, the unforeseen doesn’t always look like God. In actuality, it may stir anxiety in our hearts, and incite distress. Yet, when we can call out to the Lord, His voice resounds and empowers us to walk above what might have otherwise caused us to sink and drown.

In another encounter, Jesus was asleep in the lower parts of the boat while a storm raged (Mark 4:35-41). The disciples were likely doing their best to manage the ship, but the ferocity of the winds and waves alarmed them, leaving them distraught.

In response, they awakened Jesus, expressing that they felt abandoned as if He didn’t care for them or their lives. In both scenarios, Jesus met His followers where they were: in the faith that emboldened one of them to walk on water. In the other case, He spoke peace and stillness where their faith needed a demonstration of His power.

We aren’t too different from those who followed Jesus then. There are times when we may have felt besieged by anxiety. The Savior’s example reveals that His Heart is for us to experience His Presence, knowing that He is always with us. His power enables us to rise above what could potentially consume us. His peace stills the winds and waves in our lives that are the source and symptoms that can be troublesome.

Presence

Despite the waves of what comes or goes, we can trust in the treasured promises of Scripture. Jesus informed His disciples and still comforts us with His Word. “I will be with you always,” He reassures. They were heartbroken. Their Friend, Savior, and Teacher who had walked them out of their old lives and into a new and living way was departing from their physical presence.

Power

In many ways, we may be able to identify with some of what they likely felt: a combination of grief, loss, abandonment, and anxiety concerning what was to come. Yet, it was mixed with bittersweet hope and the comfort that the Holy Spirit was promised to provide.

The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead empowers all believers to be who God called us to be and to do the “greater works” Jesus spoke about. We can cling to the same promise today that the apostles did then. Jesus dispatched the Holy Spirit from Heaven to be our Helper, authorizing and equipping us to advance the kingdom of Heaven and to destroy the kingdom of darkness.

Peace

Jesus was fully aware that all of His followers would encounter trouble in this world and as part of life (John 16:33). He acknowledged the reality of tribulation, but underscored the finished work of the Cross, gently reminding them that He had already overcome the world and left us with His peace.

As the Prince of Peace, God is our anchor in and through every storm despite the tides or turbulence (Hebrews 6:19). Whether we walk on the waves or speak to them, the Lord envelops us with His Presence, power, and peace.

Next steps to overcome anxiety

Wherever you are in life’s journey, take comfort and courage in these words. God has been with you and is present now. As one who believes and trusts in Jesus, the Holy Spirit has equipped you with the power to overcome every threat and the anxiety associated with it.

While your peace may be disturbed right now, it is possible to reclaim it, even as you navigate the resources to support and sustain your mental and emotional health. Browse our counselor directory to find a professional therapist in Beverly Hills, California and schedule an appointment to harness calm in the storm.