Jesus Calms the Storm - Peace in The Midst of Chaos

Jesus Calming the Storm: Peace in the Midst of Chaos

“Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. – Mark 4:39

In this 48” x 60” oil on canvas painting, Jesus Calming the Storm, I was deeply moved to capture one of the most powerful miracles of Christ recorded in Scripture. Found in Mark 4:35–41, this account shows Jesus commanding the wind and the waves to be still, demonstrating His absolute authority over creation itself.

When I envisioned this piece, I wanted to step into the perspective of Jesus—looking out at the raging sea breaking around Him. The disciples, behind Him in the boat, were filled with fear as the storm threatened their very lives. Yet in the middle of the chaos, Jesus stood in perfect peace. My desire was to paint the contrast between overwhelming fear and unshakable presence—the peace that only Christ can bring.

The Two Faces of Fear

In this passage, Scripture highlights two moments of fear: Fear of the storm.The disciples were terrified as the waves crashed into their boat, convinced they were about to perish. Their cries of panic rose as they looked at Jesus sleeping—seemingly unaware of their danger. Fear of His power.After Jesus rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea, the storm immediately obeyed. In that moment, the disciples were struck with a different kind of fear—an awe-filled reverence. They asked, “Who is this man? Even the wind and waves obey Him!” (Mark 4:41).

Jesus responded to their fear with a question: “Where is your faith?” It was not simply about surviving the storm but about remembering who was with them in the boat.

Our Storms Today

Life is still full of storms. They may not be crashing seas, but they rise up in our hearts, homes, and even our nation. When chaos surrounds us—when sickness, loss, or uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us—it can feel as though Jesus is “asleep.” We wonder if He sees our pain, if He notices the water rising around our feet.

But this painting is a protest against fear. It’s a declaration that storms never have the final say. His presence, His peace, and His authority are greater than any wave we face. His very breath brings life and dismantles death.

The Power of His Presence

Something the Lord often reassures me of is this: He is closer than my next breath.

Immanuel—God with us—is not distant. He is with us in the storm, commanding peace even when the world seems to unravel. As you look at this painting, my prayer is that you would sense His nearness and hear His voice calming the storms of your own heart: “Peace, be still.”

Just as the disciples were invited to move from fear to faith, we are too. May this artwork remind you to lift your eyes above the crashing waves and fix them on the One whose name is above every name—Jesus Christ, Lord over the storm.