Finding Peace in the Storm: Trusting God's Sovereignty
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound command to "Be still and know that He is God," focusing on the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that in the midst of life's storms, our primary response should be to trust in God's sovereignty and presence. We began by acknowledging that Jesus' resurrection assures us of tomorrow, providing peace and comfort regardless of the challenges we face. The series "Just Simply Be Still" has emphasized the importance of quieting the noise around us to hear God's voice and trust His guidance.
We discussed the human tendency to either fight or flee when faced with adversity, but highlighted that neither response is appropriate without first being still and seeking God's direction. The foundation of overcoming life's storms lies in our position and mindset, aligning ourselves with God's will through trust, commitment, contentment, and patience. The story of Jesus calming the storm illustrates that faith is required in every storm we encounter. Jesus' command to cross the lake with His disciples, followed by His calming of the storm, teaches us that we must take Jesus with us in every situation, acknowledging His presence and seeking His guidance.
The disciples' fear during the storm and their questioning of Jesus' care reflect our own struggles with faith. Jesus' response, "Peace, be still," not only calmed the storm but also called the disciples to a deeper level of trust. This story underscores that our faith must be stronger than our fear, and that true peace comes from being still and knowing God. The lesson concludes with the assurance that when we are faithfully obedient to be still, God will still the storms in our lives, providing peace and demonstrating His power and authority.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in God's Sovereignty: The foundation of overcoming life's storms is rooted in our trust in God's sovereignty. Jesus' resurrection assures us of tomorrow, providing peace and comfort regardless of the challenges we face. This trust requires us to be still and align our hearts and minds with God's will, knowing that He is in control and works all things for our good. [25:28]
2. Faith Over Fear: In the midst of life's storms, our faith must be stronger than our fear. The disciples' fear during the storm and their questioning of Jesus' care reflect our own struggles. Jesus' command, "Peace, be still," calls us to a deeper level of trust, reminding us that true peace comes from being still and knowing God. [50:56]
3. Acknowledge Jesus' Presence: We must intentionally take Jesus with us in every situation, acknowledging His presence and seeking His guidance. The disciples' decision to take Jesus with them in the boat illustrates the importance of inviting Jesus into our daily lives and trusting Him to guide us through the storms. [41:34]
4. Obedience and Intimacy with God: Being still and knowing God involves both obedience and intimacy. The disciples' time alone with Jesus, where He explained all things to them, highlights the importance of spending quiet, intimate time with God, asking Him questions, and listening for His guidance. This deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our faith. [36:09]
5. God's Power and Authority: Recognizing Jesus' power and authority is crucial in facing life's difficulties. When we trust in His sovereignty, we can have confidence that He will calm the storms in our lives. Jesus' command to the wind and sea, "Peace, be still," demonstrates His authority over nature and assures us that He can bring peace to our chaotic situations. [55:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:37] - Introduction to the Series
[23:04] - Fight or Flight Response
[24:18] - Conditions of Being Still
[25:28] - Trust in God's Sovereignty
[26:48] - Jesus Calms the Storm
[28:22] - Teaching by the Sea of Galilee
[29:43] - Jesus' Servant Leadership
[30:56] - Simple Teaching of God's Word
[32:15] - Parables of Faith and Trust
[33:30] - Faith Required in Every Storm
[34:45] - Teaching and Intimacy with God
[36:09] - Alone Time with Jesus
[37:21] - Crossing the Sea of Galilee
[38:43] - Revelation, Meditation, Liberation
[39:48] - Jesus' Presence in the Storm
[41:34] - Acknowledge Jesus' Presence
[42:13] - Taking Jesus with Us
[45:13] - The Sea of Galilee
[47:20] - Jesus Will Never Leave Us
[48:37] - Trusting Jesus in Every Situation
[49:14] - Faith Over Fear
[50:56] - Jesus Calms the Storm
[55:48] - Recognizing Jesus' Power and Authority
[59:40] - Peace, Be Still
[01:03:05] - Faithful Obedience in Crisis
[01:08:41] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 4:35-41
- Psalm 37:7
- Isaiah 41:10
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus doing when the storm arose on the Sea of Galilee, and how did the disciples react? ([26:48])
2. What command did Jesus give to the wind and the sea, and what was the result? ([50:56])
3. How did Jesus address the disciples' fear after calming the storm? ([51:48])
4. What are the four conditions of being still mentioned in the sermon? ([24:18])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus was asleep during the storm, and what does this indicate about His nature and trust in God? ([26:48])
2. How does the disciples' reaction to the storm reflect our own struggles with faith during difficult times? ([50:11])
3. What does Jesus' command "Peace, be still" teach us about His authority and power over nature and our life situations? ([50:56])
4. How does the concept of being still and knowing God relate to the idea of trusting in God's sovereignty and timing? ([25:28])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How did you respond, and how might you have responded differently by being still and trusting in God's sovereignty? ([23:04])
2. Jesus' command to "Peace, be still" calls us to a deeper level of trust. What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your faith over fear? ([50:56])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of acknowledging Jesus' presence in every situation. How can you intentionally invite Jesus into your daily activities and decisions? ([41:34])
4. Consider the four conditions of being still: trust, commitment, contentment, and patience. Which of these do you find most challenging, and what can you do to improve in that area? ([24:18])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of spending quiet, intimate time with God. What changes can you make in your schedule to ensure you have this time regularly? ([36:09])
6. How can recognizing Jesus' power and authority help you face current or future difficulties with confidence? ([55:48])
7. Think of a situation where you need to trust God's timing. How can you practice patience and contentment while waiting for His guidance? ([24:18])
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Sovereignty
In the midst of life's storms, it is crucial to trust in God's sovereignty. This trust is not passive but requires an active alignment of our hearts and minds with God's will. Jesus' resurrection assures us of tomorrow, providing peace and comfort regardless of the challenges we face. By being still and acknowledging God's control, we can find solace in knowing that He works all things for our good. This trust is the foundation of overcoming any adversity, as it shifts our focus from the chaos around us to the steadfastness of God's presence. [25:28]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you actively align your heart and mind with God's will in this situation, trusting in His sovereignty?
Day 2: Faith Over Fear
When life's storms arise, our faith must be stronger than our fear. The disciples' fear during the storm and their questioning of Jesus' care reflect our own struggles with faith. Jesus' command, "Peace, be still," calls us to a deeper level of trust, reminding us that true peace comes from being still and knowing God. This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God in the midst of it. By focusing on God's power and promises, we can overcome fear and experience His peace. [50:56]
Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV): "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?"
Reflection: Identify a fear that has been overwhelming you recently. How can you shift your focus from this fear to God's promises and power?
Day 3: Acknowledge Jesus' Presence
We must intentionally take Jesus with us in every situation, acknowledging His presence and seeking His guidance. The disciples' decision to take Jesus with them in the boat illustrates the importance of inviting Jesus into our daily lives and trusting Him to guide us through the storms. By recognizing His presence, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. Jesus' presence brings comfort, direction, and assurance that He is with us every step of the way. [41:34]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: Think about a situation where you have not acknowledged Jesus' presence. How can you invite Him into this situation and seek His guidance today?
Day 4: Obedience and Intimacy with God
Being still and knowing God involves both obedience and intimacy. The disciples' time alone with Jesus, where He explained all things to them, highlights the importance of spending quiet, intimate time with God, asking Him questions, and listening for His guidance. This deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our faith. Obedience to God's word and commands is a natural outflow of this intimacy, leading to a life that is aligned with His will and purpose. [36:09]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. How can you create more space for quiet, intimate time with God, and what steps can you take to be more obedient to His guidance?
Day 5: God's Power and Authority
Recognizing Jesus' power and authority is crucial in facing life's difficulties. When we trust in His sovereignty, we can have confidence that He will calm the storms in our lives. Jesus' command to the wind and sea, "Peace, be still," demonstrates His authority over nature and assures us that He can bring peace to our chaotic situations. By acknowledging His power, we can rest in the assurance that nothing is beyond His control and that He is able to bring order and peace to our lives. [55:48]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: Consider a chaotic situation in your life. How can you acknowledge Jesus' power and authority over this situation, and what steps can you take to trust Him to bring peace and order?
Quotes
1. "We as a nation, we as a church, and we as individuals, we need to learn how to follow this little command to just simply be still and know that he is God. So once again, this series is going to continue to challenge us because when tough times come, when storms come, in our humanistic responses, we generally do one of two things. We either fight or flight. We either face the opposition and we're going to just tackle it, we're going to destroy it, or we're going to run and hide from it." [23:04] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The requirement to overcoming the storms of life is in fact having the mindset in here that we must be still and know that he is God. Because in the authoritative sovereign measures of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, he will not allow anything to come into your life that he has not given his stamp of approval on. Everything that you face in life, whatever storm, listen, God has stamped it and he says, it's okay. I have prepared this person for that because I know that they're going to be still and know that I am God." [23:04] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There's four things that we learned that are conditions of being still. We've got to trust in God. We've got to be committed to God. We've got to be content with God and we've got to be patient in his timing. Those are all four challenges that every Christian will struggle with. But all of this is based on the foundation that we've been revamping week and week and week again. And I want to just go ahead and hit that with you. This is our series foundational point. Write this down in your notes." [24:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we know God, we will know that he is sovereign. We will know that he is in control. We know that we can trust him. And here's what's so powerful is for the blood-born again believer that he works all things together for good. Even the storms, even the bad things, he works them in accordance with his will and for his glory. And I'll tell you, there's another promise in these that we've got to know about God. And it's very simply this, is that he will never leave us nor forsake us even when we are in those storms of life." [25:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith will be required in every storm you encounter. I want to say that again. Faith will be required in every storm you encounter. Every storm that you and I will encounter. Can I prove that to you real quick? I love this. The half-brother of Jesus, James, says it like this in chapter 1, verses 2 through 4. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials or storms of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith is what produces perseverance. So let that perseverance finish this work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking one thing." [33:30] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When we are faithfully obedient to be still, even in times of crisis, God will make still that which is making you fearful. Did you get that? I wanna read that again to you. When we are faithfully obedient to be still, even in times of crisis, God will make still that which is making you fearful. You see, when Jesus calms the storms that are in our lives, the source of the trouble, the wind, I wanna go back to that, the source of the trouble, the wind in this situation, he says, then he says to the sea, which is the result of the trouble, be still, put a muzzle on it. Be real quiet." [01:03:44] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When we receive the word of God, that's revelation. When you spend time alone with God, reflecting on that, chewing on that, that's meditation. It's going a little bit further. Through faith that we receive through the hearing and then responding, meditating in our heart produces the action which leads you to liberation, being liberated from the storms of life. Man, that's good preaching right there. I don't care if y'all clap. You don't have to clap for me. Clap for the Lord because that is powerful right there." [38:43] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We must take Jesus with us everywhere we go. I'm going to say that again. Again. We have a requirement to take Jesus with us everywhere we go. And some of you are saying right now, well, isn't Jesus omnipresent? He's with us all the time. He is, absolutely. Well, it is his omnipresence. He makes himself available to you because he is always there. But you must make a decision that says, Jesus, I'm taking you with me today. You're going to go with me." [41:34] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We must live life every day that portrays a faith, that will always be stronger than our fear. I'm going to tell you, the older I get, the easier that is. When I was a young man, there was lots of things that scared me, but your faith grows and your fear recedes. Look at verse 37 and 38. It says, See, there's something evil that tried to rise up, didn't it? And the waves beat into the boat so that it was already filling, but he, Jesus, was in the stern asleep on a pillow, on a fishing cushion. And they awoke him and said to him, Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" [49:14] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "When we face difficulties in life, we've got to know in here and let it be revealed out here that we trust God no matter how bad the storm is, that He will come through in a powerful way by His sovereignty to calm those storms in your life. I've already told you I love that little phrase in verse 39. Then He arose. Can I tell you something? We are who we are today because Jesus Christ arose. We are separated from the rest of the world because Jesus Christ arose. We have a faith and a peace in everlasting eternity in heaven because Jesus Christ arose." [56:35] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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