For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits’ end.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. —Psalm 107:25–32

Imagine you’re in a boat during a raging storm. The rainwater pelts your face, or maybe it’s the ocean water hitting you—you’re not sure which at this point. With every wave that threatens to capsize the boat, you’re more aware of the surrounding danger.

While you might not be in a physical storm, perhaps you know this feeling all too well. Where do you turn when you’re tossed about in the storms of life?

Sometimes the Lord creates or allows us to face circumstances that are out of our control to bring us to a place of surrender. In situations where a human solution is impossible, we have nothing to do but loosen our white-knuckled grip and cry out to the One who rules over all.

Psalm 107 describes a scenario where the people were in trouble. When they were at their wits’ end, they cried out to God. His response? He calmed their distress, stilled the storm, and delivered them to safety. He revealed His power and showed the people His steadfast love. He does the same for us, changing our hearts when we cry out to Him in the storm.

How to Pray

Lord, Your Word says, “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Cor. 12:9). Use my weakness to magnify Your glory. “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Ps. 61:1–2).

What to Pray

• Confess your need for God, and ask Him to change your heart as you trust Him with control of your life.
• Is God the first one you turn to in the storms of life? Do you cry out to Him at all? Ask Him to help you seek Him first in every situation.
• Spend some time praising God for His presence, for being a refuge, and for hearing your prayers.