Smiling at the storm.
Two songs come to mind when I consider this phrase.
The first is that wonderful hymn by John Newton – Begone unbelief.
It contains powerful words that inspire me greatly to keep my faith in God no matter what.
Begone, unbelief
My Saviour is near, and for my relief will surely appear
By prayer let me wrestle, and He will perform
With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.
The second is a Sunday school song (how I love those songs)
With Christ in the vessel, I can smile at the storm
Smile at the storm, smile at the storm
With Christ in the vessel, I can smile at the storm
As we go sailing home.
Sailing, sailing home,…
But really, who smiles at a storm??
The word ‘oxymoron’ comes to mind. Much like counting it all joy when we fall into various trials (James 1:2) An oxymoron (short English lesson 😜) is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory or opposite words to create a new, often ironic, or deeper meaning.
Who smiles at a storm anyway??
My answer – “The belliever in Christ does!”
Is it a normal reaction to smile at a storm? No way! Let’s see how the disciples reacted 😅, which I consider to be a normal human reaction, mind you.
Matthew 8:23-26 NIV –
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.
24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 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.
Does it mean that He will necessarily calm the storm? No!
We often find ourselves ‘buffeted’ by the waves and wind. ‘Buffeted’ is a pretty strong word meaning to be hit repeatedly with great force. Christ could instantly calm the raging circumstances or He can provide the strength to endure them, using the trial to deepen our faith.
Who needs deepening of their faith?
We all do!
Let’s see what this phrase actually means – smiling at the storm.
Smiling at the storm as a Christian means possessing a deep-rooted, supernatural peace and confidence in God’s sovereignty, even while experiencing intense life trials. It is not a denial of pain, but rather an act of faith that trusts God is in control and present, allowing believers to endure with joy and hope.
Wow!
Let’s look at key aspects of this:
• Trusting in God’s Sovereignty: God is stronger than the storm.
• Rooted in Christ’s presence: based on the imagery of having Jesus in the vessel.
• A spiritual counter attack: it acts as a testimony of faith, refusing to let fear or hopelessness win.
• Active faith: involves focusing on God’s promises rather than the chaotic circumstances, viewing trials as an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power.
Indeed, my brother, my sister, life will life us all, but God!
Keep your eyes fixed on Him.
I’ll end with a verse.
James 1:2-4 NIV – Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything
God bless you!
😊🙏🏽
P.S Here is the link to “Smiling at the Storm (1) : https://www.naalamiokor.com/smiling-at-the-storm/
