Master, Carest Thou Not That We Perish?
One of my favorite scriptures in the New Testament is found in the book of Mark, chapter 4. This short but powerful story has spoken to my heart more times than I can count. It’s one of those passages that seems to meet me right where I am—especially during seasons of fear, doubt, or exhaustion. Whether I’ve been struggling with personal trials, parenting challenges, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, this moment on the Sea of Galilee between the Savior and His disciples has reminded me of eternal truths: that Jesus is near, that He has power over all things, and—most importantly—that He deeply cares.
Simon de Vlieger (circa 1600/1601–1653) – Calming the storm
This powerful passage has comforted me, challenged me, and invited me to deepen my faith in the Savior over the years. It tells the story of the disciples caught in a terrible storm on the Sea of Galilee, terrified and unsure whether they would survive. What makes this story stand out to me is not just the miracle that takes place, but the deeply human moment of panic followed by the Savior’s loving and powerful response. Time and again, I have returned to these verses and found new layers of meaning—especially during my own personal storms.
35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
For years, I pondered the Savior’s words after He calmed the storm: “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” At first, it almost sounded like He was hurt or disappointed by their lack of faith. But the disciples had turned to Him for help—wasn’t that an act of faith?
They clearly believed in His power to save them. They may not have fully understood who He was, but they recognized His authority. So where exactly was their faith lacking?
The Deeper Question of Faith
The answer, I believe, lies in the wording of their plea: “Master, carest thou not that we perish?”
Their doubt wasn’t in His ability to save them. Their fear came from wondering whether He cared enough to use His power to help them.
And honestly, I can empathize with that. I have no doubt that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. I know He created the earth, that He enacted the Atonement to overcome sin and death. I know He has the power to command even the elements. The Spirit has confirmed these truths to me time and time again.
But sometimes, what I struggle with is not belief in His power—but belief in His personal care for me. That He is not only aware of my individual life, struggles, and heartaches, but that He cares enough to intervene. That the things that matter to me—even if they seem small in the grand scheme of things—matter to Him.
The Motive Behind His Miracles
The more I study the scriptures, the more I come to see that everything Christ does is motivated by love. His divine nature and power are central to His mission, but it is His compassion, His care, that fuels His miracles.
His atonement wasn’t only to overcome sin and death. Alma 7 teaches us that:
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
Jesus didn’t just intellectually understand our suffering. He chose to personally feel every sorrow, heartache, and temptation we would ever experience so that He could know exactly how to help us.
When the Storms Don’t Cease
So if He really does care, why doesn’t He calm every storm?
The answer, I believe, is because He cares even more about who we are becoming than about our temporary relief. This life is meant to be a refining process. Just as silver is purified in fire, we are tested, stretched, and shaped through adversity.
But even if He doesn’t remove the storm, that doesn’t mean He isn’t blessing us through the storm. Sometimes He will calm the sea. Other times, He will strengthen our backs and grant us peace and even joy amid the tempest.
Looking back on my own life, I can see the quiet moments of divine help—even during the darkest, loneliest chapters. He was there. I was never alone.
The Love That Changes Everything
Nephi said it simply in 1 Nephi 11:17:
“And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.”
That statement has become a personal anchor for me. I may not understand the timing or the trials, but I know this: He loves us. He cares. Not in a general, abstract way, but in a personal, specific, and daily way.
His arms are outstretched still. And because of His perfect understanding and perfect love, He is always ready to succor us—to run to us, embrace us, and bring the help we need.
An Invitation
If you’re struggling to believe that Jesus cares about you personally, or that He is willing to use His power to bless your life, I invite you to pray. Ask Heavenly Father to let you feel Christ’s love.
I promise He will answer that prayer. He wants you to know how much He cares. And your faith in His love will become one of your most powerful sources of strength.
Let us not only believe in His power, but also in His divine care. Because when we do, we will find peace—even in the midst of the storm.
