Is Your Boat Rocking? How Jesus Provides Us with Shalom

Matthew 8:23-27 records an instance of Jesus and His disciples setting off to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat. Worn down by the constant clamor for His attention, Jesus soon fell asleep. When a great storm arose on the sea, the disciples were sorely troubled. They eventually grew so distressed that they woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!”

At the outset of this brief episode, several crucial questions arise in our minds:

1. Why was Jesus asleep in the hold of the boat?
2. Was He caught off guard by the storm, unaware that it would arise?
3. Did He lack the power to prevent or subdue the storm?
4. Did He not care about His disciples’ fear and anxiety?

Thankfully, the narrative offers answers:

1. Fully man, Jesus was simply tired from the day’s activity.
2. He was not caught off guard. Storms will rage in this life, but always within the constraints set by God.
3. He had the power to immediately subdue the storm with a word. Had He chosen, He could have prevented the storm as well.
4. Jesus was not careless about the disciples’ fears. He did, however, express frustration at their lack of faith.

I believe Jesus was asleep in the boat because:

• He had no reason to fear the storm.
• He was the literal picture of Shalom in the midst of tension.
• He intended to demonstrate His power (at the right time).
• There was greater glory to be manifested in His calming of the storm than in preventing it in the first place.

Is a storm raging about you today? Is your boat rocking—either from the waves or from your fretting?

Storms, raging waves, and quaking mountains are inevitable in this life, but we are promised peace that passes understanding. How do those two contradictory realities coexist?

In Me, You May Have Peace

Just before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus warned His disciples that “in the world you have tribulation” or trouble (John 16:33). That is not what they wanted to hear. It is not what any of us want to hear. And yet, I believe with all my heart that Jesus’ words were not just for the disciples gathered with Him there in Jerusalem; they are for all who take up their cross to follow Him.

But, simultaneous with that warning, Jesus also said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.” What things was He referring to? The revelation of the manner and meaning of His death. The promise of His resurrection. The frank realization that His followers would live as outcasts in this world. And the guarantee of His Holy Spirit to comfort us and guide us into all truth.

Here is the key distinction: our trouble will be external; our peace will be internal. But even then, Jesus did not say, “you will have peace.” He said, “you may have peace.” Why?

I believe it is because whether we keep our eyes on Him and rise above the troubles of this life—or allow ourselves to be distracted and dismayed by the devil’s fiery darts—is up to us. Christ has given us the power to have His peace. He has given us His Holy Spirit, just as He gave Himself. But the choice to let or “let not your heart be troubled,” remains with you (John 14:1, NKJV).

Some will choose wisely, and some will choose poorly.

Shalom Shalom

As Christians, let’s manifest peace that passes understanding—even as we stand on and testify to the Truth.

Make no mistake. The prince of darkness wants to steal your joy, mute your testimony, and pulverize your peace.

Jesus came to give you abundant life and to fill your heart with peace beyond human understanding. His glory is manifested to those around you when you keep calm and carry on, resting in the assurance that He is in control, and He is coming soon.

“Keep calm and carry on.”