#4 Jesus: A Breakwater in the Storms of Life

I’d been away down the coast on my own for a couple of days when I woke up to go for another walk along the cliff tops overlooking the ocean. This morning was different. The sky was still blue but this time the temperature had dropped, and it was really windy. It was the sort of wind that makes you want to wrap your jacket tightly around your body and pull the hood over your head to protect your ears. As I continued, I felt uneasy—this wasn’t what I’d been hoping for when I stepped outside to go for a walk, and I was now feeling cold and just wanted to get back inside. I kept walking but felt really exposed to the elements now. It just wasn’t the same as it had been over the last couple of days when I enjoyed the sun and the beautiful calm conditions. This was anything but calm, and the waves seemed so much bigger and angrier as they crashed upon the rocks below. I couldn’t hear the birds like I had over the past couple of days—everything seemed to want to escape the wind that was creating much larger waves below.

How do I get through what keeps coming at me?

I know that feeling well. When you’re suddenly facing things that feel like rough, dangerous waters and you’re not sure how to get through. Wave after wave keeps crashing down and it’s hard to escape. You just want the sun to come back out again.

I was deep in thought about all of this when I rounded a corner to the nearby sheltered bay and noticed a strange site. The water, that had been so rough and dangerous, was suddenly calm and flat. The contrast was striking, and I was a bit confused at first but then I realised what had happened. Years ago, people in the town had placed massive pieces of rock in a straight line where the ocean met this bay. It acted as a breakwater to take the force of the waves that were racing toward this horseshoe shaped bay. Sure enough, regardless of how big one of these waves was, it crashed into this breakwater before entering the bay and it lost most of its power and fury.

It struck me how I need Jesus to be just like that breakwater when the storms of life are racing toward me.

I’m so tired and I can’t take any more.

It reminded me of that Scripture in Matthew that talks about coming to God when we feel tired and weary. Jesus says that we should place all our burdens upon him, and he’ll take care of them for us.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30 (The Message)

Essentially, he seems to be saying, ‘When it all gets too much, when you don’t think you can take any more—I’ll take the hits for you. I’ll let the power and fury of the storm you’re facing hit me, and I’ll bring some calm and peace to your turmoil.’ As I saw the calm waters of the bay that morning after walking through some very strong winds, I realised we all need the Lord to be a breakwater for us and that’s what he says he’ll do if we ask him.

I need peace—a safe harbour in the storm.

In Philippians 4:6-7 Paul writes one of the most practical passages in all of Scripture. He recognises there are things in life that cause us to be anxious. Feeling this way is natural and really common. Anxiety or worry can feel overwhelming. Paul tells us that we can turn to the Lord in every situation and present our needs and the things that are threatening to overwhelm us, to God. This speaks of the storms in our lives—the waves that make us anxious and threaten to rob us of peace.

Rather than simply tell us to hold on and hope we don’t drown; Paul says it’s possible to know a safe harbour in the face of relentless waves.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:67 NIV)

He says there is a peace that will come to us regardless of what turmoil we’re in. It’s a peace that will calm the raging storm and guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. If we want a peace like that, then we need to go to Jesus and let him take care of whatever it is that feels like it is going to drown us.

"Faith is not the denial of the storm but the ability to find peace in the midst of it, knowing Jesus is in the boat with us." Unknown

Whenever you turn to Jesus with all the things you're facing and fearing, he'll be there to meet with you and take the hits for you. Try turning to him right now and say ‘Thanks, I know I’m not alone.”

From Reflection to Action: (These are just suggestions – maybe choose 1 or 2 to try)

Nature Walk and Reflection: Take a slow, quiet walk, observing the power of the wind and/or the waves. Reflect on how Jesus, like a breakwater, can absorb the force of any storm you might be facing and then ask him to help deal with whatever it is.
Journaling Your Breakwater Moments: Write in a journal each time you feel God's calming presence in the midst of a storm. Capture these moments to revisit during challenging times.
Share Your 'Breakwater' Moment: If you've experienced a ‘breakwater’ moment, share it with someone. Your story might be the encouragement someone needs to navigate their own storms with faith and hope.
Connect with Others: Extend kindness to those around you. Reach out to someone who might be facing their own storm. A simple act of compassion can support the work God is doing to bring them peace.
Tune into Encouraging Podcasts: Boost your resilience with stories from the Resilient Souls podcast to see how others have let Jesus be their breakwater.

Bible verses about Trusting Jesus to Help in a Storm:

Psalm 46:1 (NIV): "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Proverbs 18:10 (NIV): "The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
2 Samuel 22:31 (NLT): "God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection."