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Breaking news today reports an explosion near New York City’s Port Authority bus terminal during Monday morning’s rush hour. As expected, chaos ensued. A stampede of people fled the scene, some bus terminals have been shut down and media has swarmed upon the scene.

Though heartbreaking, these events have become the new normal in America. Rarely a week passes without a lone wolf terrorist attack, mass shooting or other tragic violent action.

Where can we find peace in these times of chaos?

To be clear, there are often no easy answers. However, Scripture does offer insights to maintaining calm during upheaval. In Mark 8:35-41 Jesus and his friends were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a great storm arose. The account notes, “A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped” (Mark 8:37).

Where was Jesus during this time? He was with them.

What was Jesus doing? He was resting.

The disciples quickly woke Jesus, saying, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

They responded as we often do. In the heat of the moment, the moment becomes heated–even with Jesus.

Yet Jesus did not panic. When the time was right, he spoke to the storm and all became completely calm.

He questioned their fear and their faith. They asked, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 8:41).

When chaos strikes our lives, we can learn much from the reactions of the first followers of Jesus.

They feared, even when Jesus was near. Yet their answer was already in their midst.

Whether we face a national tragedy or a personal disaster, we need not panic, but look to God who is already with us.

When we do, we realize he has the power to change the scenario at just the right time. We may not understand the situation, but we can trust in the Savior who does.