In contrast to the counterexample provided by life of Jonah, consider the prophet Isaiah’s description of the life of faith—a description which is echoed, later, in Jesus’ story of the wise man who built his house upon the rock:
“Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace— in peace because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4).
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).
These verses also invite comparison to the peace of Jesus described in the fourth gospel:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John14:27).
Unlike Jonah, those who “trust in the Lord”— who “hear His words” and “act on them” —will avoid unnecessary adversity and will always retain a foothold in His perfect peace, whatever the turn of events. This is the same peace that is described by St. Paul as the peace which surpasses all understanding:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).
In the words of the old hymn, “Jesus is a rock in a weary land, a shelter in a time of storm.” However, that rock is not accessible through mere belief, but is only to be found through an authentic, living faith in the living Word of God—i.e. by trusting in and relying on the “I Am” presence which IS Christ-in-you.
Getting to Know Jesus in the 21st Century 