“One day He and his disciples got in a boat. “Let’s cross the lake,” He said. And off they went. It was smooth sailing, and He fell asleep. A terrific storm came up suddenly on the lake. Water poured in, and they were about to capsize. They woke Jesus: “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” Getting to his feet, He told the wind, “Silence!” And the waves, “Quiet down!” They did it. The lake became as smooth as glass” Luke 8: 22-24 (MSG).

I often find myself spiritually drowning. I just can’t seem to feel God’s presence or I give up on looking for it. I let the waves of sin overcome me and drag me down.

In May of this year, my grandma died. Through all of my grief and hurt, I cried out to God and asked his presence to comfort me. I opened my Bible app, and this was the verse of the day that popped up on the screen:

“If GOD hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love GOD, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up” Psalm 94:17-19 (MSG).

As soon as I read these words, I felt God’s love and peace come over me and comfort me. The Lord showed me that He had indeed been there all along. I was just too stubborn to pursue him. He was with me throughout all of the trials and hardships that I had to endure.

Ever since then, when the waves of sin are drowning me and the boat of life is about to capsize, I call out to Him. He answers by calming the waves and taking hold of my heart with his love.

Isaiah 43: 2-3 says, “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end- because I am GOD, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior” (MSG).

So the next time you find yourself slipping away, call to Jesus. He will keep your boat afloat and calm the rough waters in your life.