As the disciples learned of all the tribulations they would encounter, they had the incredible gift of being able to look back on all the times Jesus had displayed His power, authority, and peace. The memories of all they had experienced with Him would allow them to remember and respond in trust moving forward. 

In today’s reading, I love how Matthew noticed that the disciples followed Jesus into the boat.  Jesus knew that a great windstorm would arise allowing terrifying conditions to occur; He is fully God and knows everything.  Yet, He still went aboard the boat and allowed the disciples to follow Him across the lake.

In the summer, my husband is a charter captain on the waters of Lake Michigan.  A daily occurrence for him is to check what direction the wind will be coming from and how strong the gusts will be.  He prepares as best he can to help ensure a safe trip for his clients.  However, much like the disciples, there have been days that his circumstances have shifted without warning and required drastic change, and an instant pivot to safety.

I love that in the most heartbreaking of situations, David turned to God.  He lifted before Him the reality of the situation, but declared that his true security and peace was found in God alone.  His eyes were turned heavenward, not toward his circumstances.  Our verse today is David’s closing statement which proclaims his complete trust in God.

The storm that had started upon the waters was not just affecting the boat Jesus was aboard, there were other boats that were being tossed and turned in the waves as well.  When Jesus commanded the wind and sea to be still, it didn’t just impact the boat He was on, but would have brought a great calm to everyone on the water.  Jesus' command of peace would have extended beyond just His disciples to all the boats who were with them.