Before the Storm Ends

 “I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. . .” (Psalm 32:5a)

After the second hurricane (within six weeks of each other) barreled its way through the same areas in our state, someone posted this question on social media: “Would someone please throw Jonah overboard?” The question made me wonder why Jonah didn’t just jump into the water if he knew that would quiet the life-threatening storm instead of asking the mariners to throw him over and spare them the anguish and guilt they experienced? God’s providence. Jonah knew his disobedience was the cause of God’s displeasure, and the crew was going to perish in the storm with him unless he went overboard. Jonah told the seamen of his God, who was Master over the wind, sea, and all creation, and they were to throw him over. The men were introduced to the One True God and cried out to Him rather than the helpless gods they knew. They were amazed by God’s power, made sacrifices to Him there in the boat, vowing to serve Him (Jonah 1:1–16). God’s providence.

Disobedience to God kicks up life storms. Our storms affect us; innocent bystanders—family, friends, and coworkers—sometimes feel the residual effects of God’s discipline directed our way. The sailors, acknowledging the One True God, reluctantly yet obediently cast Jonah into the sea, and the raging storm stopped. Before life storms end, the sin that stirred the tempest must be confessed, abandoned, and cast down. Only by turning to God in repentance followed by obedience to His instructions will the disturbances be quieted. When God’s discipline ceases, and the storm is over, there will be a trail of debris to be cleared, but your soul is calm, and you find rest in God’s peace.

Although Jonah vowed to follow God’s instructions while in the belly of the great fish that swallowed him, once on dry land, he was angry that God didn’t destroy the Ninevites—by choice, Jonah’s storm continued.