Have you ever felt like God abandoned you? Do you ever feel like you’re in the middle of the ocean, drowning, and God hasn’t come to save you? Do you ever wonder, “God, are you there?”

That’s a common feeling when we’re in the middle of our grief. Grief can be overwhelming and make us feel unstable. You look around, and everyone else is floating along like life is great, while you’re fighting for your life.

The disciples felt the same way when they were dealing with a violent windstorm. The winds were so strong that the water was flooding the ship. Even though some were professional fishermen, they struggled to right the ship. All the while, Jesus was asleep at the bottom of the boat (Mark 4:35-41). They woke Jesus up and asked him, “Don’t you care that we are perishing?” They were fighting for their lives, and Jesus was asleep on a pillow.

God, are you there? Yes, He is. He doesn’t panic in the middle of a storm because He knows that He will protect you and you will make it through this.

God also wants us to call on Him for help. He said that He is a present help in a time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Don’t be afraid to be honest in your prayers, “God, I’m hurting, and I feel alone. Please help me through this difficult time.” Give God an opportunity to bless you.

I know what overwhelming grief feels like. And I also know what it feels like to be comforted by God.

*See a sermon I preached called “Peace – Peace in a storm” from 02/02/2025