The early morning soccer game at the park met spectators and participants with “freezing winds” at least for us desert dwellers. Those who arrived in t-shirts and shorts borrowed blankets, beach towels, and anything with long-sleeves. Even though the afternoon promised sunburns, the morning was brrr!

Troubles, like wind, may come unexpectedly. They can interrupt and upend our lives. But they never surprise God.

The disciples also encountered windy days. Mark describes a time their boat was nearly swamped in a fierce storm while Jesus napped! Notice the different reactions. When the terrified disciples woke Him, “[Jesus] got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’” (Mark 4:39). Imagine the silent stillness.

In another storm, Jesus walked on choppy water as if it were nothing. He didn’t mind the wind even though it was driving the disciples’ boat across the lake.

Both times, Jesus knew His disciples were in trouble. He knew exactly what was happening and where there were. And He was present to help.

The same is true with us. Jesus knows what troubles are blowing our way and the storms we are facing. He is aware of our circumstances as well as our emotions, including fear. He understands and helps us.

Like the wind, our troubles do not threaten Jesus in the least. Nothing in creation is more powerful than the Creator Himself. Jesus encourages us with, “[A]ll things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27); and the author of Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Never fear. Jesus is near.