Imagine this morning that we are sitting at Starbucks and enjoying a cup of coffee with each other.  During our time, we decide to be transparent and vulnerable with each other and answer the question, “How is this year going for you? How would you describe 2024?”

I listened intently as you describe your year.  Then I share my overview of this year and I must admit my response surprised me. I described the year as hectic, busy, out of control, exhausting, and full of anxiety. As I described it I thought, But I thought this year is going to be different!

Well, here we are in the end of October and things haven’t gotten easier; they have gotten tougher. The circumstances I hoped would finally be in control still feel out of control. This reminds me of a time when Jesus calmed what seemed like an out-of-control situation in Matthew 8:23-27.

“Jesus got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’

He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!'”

As I recently read this story, I could relate to the disciples. They panicked. They were afraid. They experienced despair. I was also reminded I can focus on my circumstances or on the One who controls my circumstances. While thinking about this, I wrote the following in my journal. I hope it encourages you.

Jesus was in the boat with the disciples. He is in my “boat” too. I am never alone, even in my most difficult times. He is in everything I encounter in life. This year I want to be more enamored with Christ who lives in me than overwhelmed by the circumstances that surround me.

When we trust Christ in the middle of a storm, the result is peace and tranquility. “Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves and it was completely calm” (verse 26).

So, rather than trying to jump overboard, let’s stay in our “boats” and allow Christ to calm us in the midst of our circumstances. I invite you to be more enamored with the One who lives in you than the circumstances that surround you.

Additional Resources

The Blueprint for Life curriculum is designed to help discover; develop; and pursue your God-given mission.  The Bible study contains ten audio messages featuring Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Tony Evans, John Maxwell and others. Now available for digital download.  CLICK HERE to check it out!