MAY 5
Psalm 89:9, “You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.”
Psalm 89 reflects the glory of God through His faithfulness, steadfast love, and unmatched power. The psalmist celebrates how God used this power to defeat Israel’s enemies and establish the Davidic kingdom (Psalm 89:20, 28–29). He also affirms God’s sovereign rule over creation, declaring that God commands the surging seas and calms their raging waves—a vivid symbol of His authority over chaos. Yet, despite acknowledging this power, the psalmist is troubled. David’s kingdom is in decline, and God seems distant, even angry. Has God abandoned His covenant with David (Psalm 89:39)? The psalmist wrestles deeply with this tension. Though God rules the waves, He appears removed from the suffering of His covenant people.
This same tension was experienced by the disciples when they were crossing the Sea of Galilee. Caught in a violent storm, as waves crashed over the boat and it began to fill with water, the disciples feared for their lives—while Jesus slept peacefully in the stern. In panic, they woke Him, crying, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus rose, rebuked the wind, and calmed the sea with a word. Stunned, the disciples asked one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41).
You’ve likely faced your own storms—seasons when life has not gone as planned or when difficulties have felt overwhelming. Psalm 89 and the story in Mark remind us of a powerful truth: God is greater than any storm we face. The One who rules the seas also has the power to calm our troubled hearts and grant us peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:6–7). Our calling is to trust Him—especially when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us.
You needn’t fear the storms of life if you’ve got Jesus “in your boat!”
Application Questions: Have you felt like God was distant during a difficult time? How can this psalm or the story of Jesus calming the storm reshape your perspective on His presence and power? What practical steps can you take to trust God more fully when you’re facing life’s storms, knowing He has the power to bring peace amid chaos?
LookingtoJesus 