Jesus Is in Your Boat
There’s something very real and very heavy about walking through this broken world.
Sometimes you see it in the faces of your family, your coworkers, or even your spouse.
Sometimes it shows up in the struggles your kids are facing.
Sometimes it’s that unexpected health diagnosis.
Sometimes it’s aging parents, a financial crisis, or simply everything all at once.
And in those moments, it feels like one more thing might just break us.
Recently, I woke up on a morning like that—heavy, tired, and overwhelmed. I got up early, like I usually do, and poured out my worries to God. It had been a week where everything seemed upside down and God felt distant. One problem after another, with less and less time in His presence, left me confused, exhausted, and emotionally worn thin.
After reading a scripture and a short devotion, I got still for a few minutes. And in that stillness, God whispered to my heart:
“You feel this way because these things are out of your control.”
“You’re used to having control, and you don’t right now.”
“But I’m still here, and I’m still in control.”
Immediately, He brought to mind the story of the disciples on the boat in the storm. They felt exactly how I did.
Things were chaotic.
Things were heavy.
Things were busy—desperately trying to manage the storm.
Things were scary.
Things were unknown.
Things were exhausting.
Things were completely out of their control.
And it was so unsettling.
They felt alone.
But the truth? They weren’t alone at all.
Jesus was in their boat the entire time.
They were simply so overwhelmed and so busy that they forgot He was right there. And when they finally woke Him, Jesus asked them a question that still settles deep into our souls today:
“Where is your faith?”
Wow. Let that sink in.
How often am I so busy, so focused on my own agenda, my own fears, or my own attempts to control everything, that I completely miss what God is doing?
How often do I forget that Jesus is in my boat?
Today, He reminded me that He is with me.
He is in control of the chaos.
And He will bring order where everything feels upside down.
This scripture brought peace to my soul, and I pray it brings peace to yours:
“I will answer them before they even call to me.
While they are still talking about their needs,
I will go ahead and answer their prayers!”
— Isaiah 65:24 (NLT)
A Prayer for the Storm
Father,
I come to You with a heart that feels the weight of this world.
You see the things that overwhelm me—
the chaos, the unknowns, the worries I try so hard to control.
Thank You for reminding me today that I don’t have to carry any of it alone.
Jesus, help me remember that You are in my boat.
When life feels heavy, whisper peace to my soul.
When I’m scared, remind me of Your presence.
When I’m busy and distracted, slow my heart so I can hear Your voice.
When things feel out of control, teach me to place my faith in You—
not in my own strength, my plans, or my ability to fix everything.
Lord, steady my spirit.
Calm the storm inside me, even if the storm around me remains.
Help me to trust that You are working,
even before I ask, even before I see the outcome.
Let Your will rise above my own,
and let Your peace settle deep within me.
Thank You for being faithful,
thank You for being patient,
and thank You for being near.
I put this day, these worries, and this burden in Your hands.
You are in control.
You are good.
And You are here.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.