God's Peace: Our Balance in the Midst of the Storm
I am ever fascinated while admiring a boat at sea. Recently I learned that what makes a boat float is the balance between the boat’s weight pressing downward and the water pushing upward. Even in raging storms, a boat can remain afloat as long as it maintains a low center of gravity and avoids taking on too much water. Its stability—not the condition of the sea—determines whether it sinks or survives.
In many ways, the human heart and mind can mirror that same picture. Life often brings forth storms—unexpected trials, stress, anxiety, financial struggles, family challenges, health problems, or the quiet battles of depression. The waves may linger and even feel overwhelming, yet our stability does not depend on the size of the storm but on WHO rests at the center.
The Heart as a Boat
Let’s visualize our heart and mind as a boat that is actively navigating the sea of life. Each stressor—illness, unemployment, broken relationships, or daily pressures—being experienced like a crashing wave. If we try to carry it all alone, it is as though the boat begins to take on excess water that it was not created to carry, and this overload begins to weigh down our “boat” until it risks tipping over.
But God’s peace—His unshakable, sustaining presence—acts as the stabilizing center of gravity. He anchors our soul when the waves rise higher and the tempest grows stronger. He steadies our heart when anxiety whispers, “You won’t make it.” His peace, which truly “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), guards both our heart and mind when circumstances threaten to overwhelm us.
Sometimes He Calms the Storm. Sometimes He Calms the Soul
God does not always calm the storm immediately. Sometimes He brings healing, breakthrough, or resolution. Other times, He allows the sea to rage but quiets the storm within us. Both reveal His sovereign authority and tender care.
This is why it becomes crucial to release our burdens—casting them into the sea of His great love. Because carrying them only weighs down our boat while surrendering them allows balance to be restored, even when the future remains uncertain.
Mental Health and the Peace of Christ
From a mental health perspective, surrendering fears to God is an intentional, continual act. It is not about denying the storm’s presence in our lives, but about refusing to let it sink our soul. This surrender can look like:
Praying and practicing deep breathing when anxiety rises.
Journaling fears and then releasing them to God in prayer.
Resting in Scripture as a grounding anchor.
Seeking community, wise counsel, or professional support when the weight of the waves becomes too heavy.
Singing songs of praise to the King.
“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you" Psalm 5:11
God designed humanity as whole beings—body, mind, and spirit. Protecting our mental health and centering our life in Christ are not separate pursuits; they are deeply inter-connected. One of our most basic needs in life is for community, to experience human to human warmth and relationship. We were not meant to do this alone, we need God and also each other. Because together we thrive!
Scriptures That Steady the Soul:
When fear grips the heart, these words provide balance and reassurance:
“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” — Psalm 56:3
“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” — Psalm 116:7“For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’” — Isaiah 41:13
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” — Isaiah 46:4
These verses remind us that God does not simply calm seas—He carries, sustains, and rescues His children, even when our strength is gone.
A Safe Harbor
If you’re feeling like your boat is filling with water and you’re only a wave away from sinking, there is hope.
God does not expect you to row harder on your own strength. Instead, He invites you to rest in His peace, to make Him your center, your balance, your Mighty Rock. Storms will come, and waves will crash. Yet with Jesus as the anchor of your soul, there is steadiness. There is peace. There is healing. And there is the unshakable assurance that He is a safe space, a refuge, and the eternal harbor where your heart and mind can find true rest and refuge.
