Finding Peace in The Panic
“Peace isn’t found in the absence of problems—it’s found in the presence of Jesus.”
Have you ever had one of those moments where everything seemed fine—then suddenly, without warning, life flipped upside down? One minute you’re cruising, the next you’re barely keeping your head above water. I’ve been there. Honestly, more times than I’d like to admit.
There was a season a few years back where I was spiritually, emotionally, and physically exhausted. I was doing everything I knew to do—praying, staying faithful, showing up. But life still felt like an uphill battle. And I remember asking God, “Why does this feel so hard? Where are You?”
It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in Him. I did. I do. But believing and feeling are two different things. And in that moment, my faith felt shaky, and peace seemed far away.
Then I remember this story from Mark 4:
“As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.’ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out… But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat… Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’”
(Mark 4:35–38 NLT)
“Don’t You Care If We Drown?”
Let’s be honest: we’ve all asked that question in some form.
When the doctor calls with news you didn’t expect.
When you’re doing everything you can, but the marriage still feels like it’s unraveling.
When you’re battling depression or anxiety and trying to smile through it.
When you wonder why—if God loves you—you’re still hurting this much.
Even Jesus’ closest friends—men who walked with Him, saw His miracles—panicked and asked, “Don’t You care?”
And that’s where most of us land in storms. Not faithless… just afraid.
But here’s the truth:
Peace doesn’t come from your storm stopping. Peace comes from knowing Jesus is in the boat.
He’s Still There
The disciples thought Jesus was asleep on them—but really, He was at peace for them. They were focused on the storm. But the power in the boat was greater than the chaos outside it.
All through Scripture, God reminds us:
“I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” (Deut. 31:6)
“Be strong and courageous… For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9)
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” (Ps. 23:4)
Jesus never promised us a storm-free life—but He did promise us His presence. And that changes everything.
So whatever storm you’re in—you’re not alone.
At the graveside? He’s there.
After the divorce? Still there.
When the job is gone or the kids are struggling? He’s still in your boat.
The Storm Is Part of the Course
And don’t miss this—the storm didn’t mean they were off course. It was Jesus’ idea to go to the other side. He led them into the boat… and into the storm.
Why? Because there are some things we can only learn in a storm that we’d never discover on calm shores.
“When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)
He didn’t panic. He didn’t plead. He rebuked the storm like it had no business being in charge—because it didn’t. He has authority over it all.
Your Panic Isn’t Final
You may feel like you’re drowning right now—but your storm doesn’t get the final word. Jesus does. And He speaks peace, not panic. Calm, not chaos. Presence, not abandonment.
So whatever you’re facing today, don’t just look at the wind and waves.
Look at Who’s in your boat.
Because peace isn’t the absence of problems—it’s the presence of Jesus.