COMFORTING IMAGES OF JESUS CALMING THE STORM
We live in turbulent times both as a society and as individuals. Often, we may feel like Jesus’ twelve disciples when they were stranded out at sea: a storm is raging all around us and all we have is our little boat to keep us afloat. Sometimes, it may even feel like God is asleep or not aware of the danger. However, if we lean on our faith and do our best to keep moving, we can trust that He will provide peace and clarity.
Find hope and inspiration from art pieces depicting the biblical event when Jesus calms the storm.
Biblical Jesus Calms the Storm Images
The beauty of art lies in its ability to shed new light and insight into what might already be common or familiar. While the miracle of when Jesus calms the storm is well known, each of our artists has taken their own life experiences and perspectives to create a unique telling of the story.
What insights do you see in each of these paintings?
Peace be Still by Simon Dewey
This is a classic Jesus calms the storm painting by Simon Dewey. In this image, Simon chose to use a variety of dramatic angles. You can see them in the mast, the ropes, the lightning, the waves, and the boat. His artistic choice brings out the chaos of the moment. We can sense some of the desperation and fear Christ’s disciples must have felt.
However, the focus is on Jesus Himself. His arm is stretched out into the storm, strong and steady. No matter what challenges or changes we are facing in our lives, we can trust that Jesus Christ will always be there. He does not change and though He may not always take away our storms, He can help us become strong enough to weather them.
Stilling the Storm by Robert Barrett
Robert chose to paint the moment of the storm’s calm. The contrast of these two images illustrates the wonder of Jesus’ miracle. To have surroundings that chaotic suddenly become smooth and peaceful must have been something of a shock for his disciples. It is no wonder their response is one of awe. As we read in Luke 8:25, “What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.”
We love that Robert still shows some of the storms in his painting. We may still remember the darker times in our lives. Regrets, grudges, and trauma are sticky. But we do not need to dwell there. We can still enjoy the present sunshine and continue sailing to the safe shore.
The Tempest by Jorge Cocco
Jorge’s painting of when Jesus calms the storm shows symbolic light coming from Christ’s outstretched hand. We like the contrast in this painting. The surroundings are dark and have a sense of urgent movement, but the area just around the Savior is bright and clean. The clouds appear to pull away from Him.
Additionally, Jesus’ expression is stern and focused as He rebukes the storm. We may face some challenges in life that never fully go away, but we can always trust that Jesus loves and cares deeply about us. He feels our pain. His entire mission on earth was to save the human family as a whole and as individuals.
“What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.”
Jesus Calms the Storm in Our Lives
Sometimes the biggest storms are the ones raging inside our homes or ourselves. Some of the most touching images of Jesus calming the storm are the paintings of everyday people finding help and hope.
These paintings and photographs were created to bring healing and peace to others. Each of our artists has had personal experiences in their lives where Jesus Christ has lifted and healed them. They have poured their love for and their witness of the Savior into their work, especially the ones directly illustrating comfort.
Balm of Gilead by Annie Henrie Nader
Annie’s popular painting shows how Jesus calms the storm for us as individuals. Regardless of age or circumstances, His love is there. We love this piece for the expressions Annie captures on the faces of the man and the girl.
The man is completely humble, kissing the hem of Jesus’ robe. The girl looks somber but peaceful. Life is certainly never easy, but that does not mean we have to go through it without healing and direction along the way.
His Hand is Stretched Out by Evan Lurker
How have you seen Jesus’ hand in your life? Often, He reaches out to us through other people or in ways extremely personal to us. Just as Evan’s photo illustrates, Christ does not turn us away nor does He force us to act. He simply invites us to get up again after we’ve fallen or to climb to higher ground. His love is not surface level or fake and He will not settle for less than the potential He sees in us.
We love the simplicity of this photo. The entire focus is on Jesus Christ and His invitation to accept His help.
Our Advocate by Jay Bryant Ward
OUr Advocate (color) by Jay Bryant Ward
Bryant chose another quiet scene illustrating one of the ways Jesus calms the storms in our everyday lives: repentance and forgiveness. The scriptures teach us that Jesus Christ is our advocate with God (1John 2:1). Because He suffered for our sins, He can plead with the Father on our behalf.
Here we see Jesus doing just that. He is looking up toward God and motioning toward us. His expression is serious, but soft, illustrating both justice and mercy. Which version of the painting do you like best?
Safety by Mandy Jane Williams
Mandy’s picture highlights perhaps the most important verse in the story of when Jesus calms the storm:
“Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25).
Her picture alludes to Jesus’ metaphor of the sparrow. If God can watch over a creature so small, then certainly He will keep guard over His own children. This life was not meant to be a vacation, but a journey complete with hills and valleys. Mandy’s painting reminds us that through it all we can trust the hands of our Creator.
Forget Me Not by Annie Henrie Nader
I Will Not Forget Thee by Annie Henrie Nader
These two paintings by Annie depict the kind of personal relationship we can have with Jesus Christ. As we follow His teachings and try to approach Him, it will become easier to feel His guidance, correction, and peace.
Unlike the artificial joys that the world offers, Jesus Christ offers a peace that is deep and lasting. Regardless of our season or circumstances of life, He can make all things work for our good.
Abide With Me by Simon Dewey
Jesus wants to help each of us navigate the storms in our lives. He wants us to experience the clearing clouds of hope, understanding, forgiveness, and healing.
That may mean some uncomfortable changes or it may mean some hard sacrifices, but Christ’s smile in Simon’s painting reminds us that it will be well worth it.
Gethsemane by Adam Abram
Agony in the Garden by Darin Ashby
Last, we have two touching paintings of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the end, Jesus’ sacrifice is what will calm the world’s storms. He overcame sin and death and showed us the way to return to our Father in Heaven. As we follow His example and rely on His grace, our lives can be made worthwhile. We can overcome the temporal and achieve the eternal.
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