June 25. Christ in the Storm
J.R. Miller teaches that Christ’s sovereign authority over nature assures believers of peace and confidence amid life’s storms.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller explores Christ’s sovereign power over nature as demonstrated in the calming of the storm. Using vivid illustrations and biblical truth, Miller encourages believers to trust in Jesus’ authority and find peace amidst life’s trials. The sermon challenges listeners to rest confidently in God’s loving control, no matter the storms they face.
Text
"He rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea: Peace, be still!" Mark 4:39
He spoke to the storm and to the tossing sea — as if they were intelligent creatures — just as a man would speak to his servants. The truth we learn here, is that He is Lord of nature; that the elements recognize His voice, and obey Him even in their wildest moods. If we only fully believed this, it would bring a great deal of peace to our lives. No tempest ever breaks from the control of Him who is our Lord and Redeemer. No wave ever rolls any farther than He permits. There is nothing in this world, which is not under the sway of the hand that was nailed on the cross!
There is a story of a Christian army officer at sea with his family in a storm. There was great terror among the passengers — but he was calm. His wife, in her consternation, chided him, saying that he ought to be concerned for her and the children, if not for himself, in such danger. He made no reply — but soon came to her with his sword drawn, and with a stern countenance pointed it at her heart. She was not the least alarmed — but looked up into his face with a smile. "What!" said he, "are you not afraid when a drawn sword is at your heart?" "No," she replied, "not when I know it is in the hands of one that loves me." "And would you have me," he asked, "to be afraid of this tempest — when I know it to be in the hand of my heavenly Father, who loves me?" Thus even in the wild tumults of nature, we should be at peace, since our Savior is Lord of nature.
Someone tells of being at sea in a terrible cyclone, and of seeing a little bird fly down, when the storm was at its height, and light on the crest of a wave, where it sat as quietly as if it had been perching on some green bough in the quiet forest. So should the believer in Christ repose in quietness and confidence, in the wildest terror!
Sermon Outline
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I
- Christ’s authority over the wind and sea
- The elements obey His voice
- Implications for believers’ peace
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II
- Illustration of the Christian army officer in a storm
- Trusting God’s love amid danger
- Fearlessness rooted in divine care
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III
- The story of the bird in the cyclone
- Symbol of calmness in the midst of chaos
- Encouragement to repose in Christ’s protection
Key Quotes
“He rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea: Peace, be still!” — J.R. Miller
“No tempest ever breaks from the control of Him who is our Lord and Redeemer.” — J.R. Miller
“So should the believer in Christ repose in quietness and confidence, in the wildest terror!” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Trust in Christ’s sovereign power to bring peace in your personal storms.
- Remember that no trial is beyond God’s control or loving care.
- Cultivate calmness and confidence by resting in Jesus’ protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Christ is Lord of nature?
It means that Jesus has sovereign control over all creation, including the elements like wind and sea, which obey His commands.
How can believers find peace during difficult times?
Believers can find peace by trusting that God is in control and that no trial exceeds His sovereign will or loving care.
Why does the sermon use stories about storms and danger?
These stories illustrate the reality of life’s challenges and how faith in Christ’s power brings calm and confidence amid turmoil.
What practical lesson does the bird in the cyclone teach?
It teaches believers to remain calm and confident in God’s protection even when surrounded by chaos and danger.