During the early service at church this past Sunday, a violent storm just missed El Dorado. It was close enough, however, to rattle the church with the rumbling thunder.

As I think about the power of a storm, it occurs to me that many storms have an “eye” associated with them. When you think about the dynamics of a hurricane, it’s easy to associate the powerful winds with the adversity that surrounds you. Meteorologists will tell you that regardless of the size of the storm, there is always calm at its center or eye.

Remember what Jesus did when His disciples were at sea and they were at the mercy of a storm? Just when they thought their boat would be swamped and they would drown, Jesus walked on the water and calmed the storm.

To find the calm in the storm, we need to do several things:

• Listen and obey His words: “Whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil (Proverbs 1:33).”
• Trust Him for protection: “:How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings (Psalm 36:7).”
• Seek a relationship with Him: “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified! (psalm 40:16).”
• Rely on Him for rest: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly (Matthew 11:28-30).” ~ The Message

Whenever you are about to be swamped with trouble and turmoil, remember to look for the “I” in the storm. Jesus said “I” will never you nor will “I” forsake you. The presence of Jesus will give you a peace that is beyond comprehension (Phil. 4:6-7).