July 23, 2025 • 14 mins
Welcome to The Heartbeat of Faith Podcast with Dr. Andrew Farley! In this episode, we delve deep into the profound biblical symbolism of chaotic and still waters, uncovering how they reflect God's power to bring order to the chaos in our lives. From the creation narrative to Jesus walking on water, we explore these images' significance in our faith journey.
Sign up for free devotionals on each episode at https://www.HeartbeatOfFaith.com
The Bible introduces us to a world shrouded in dark, chaotic waters at the beginning, where God's Spirit hovers over the abyss, ready to usher in order. Join us as we revisit the awe-inspiring moment when Jesus defied the stormy seas, showcasing His authority over life's tempests and inviting us to walk in His victorious footsteps.
But it's not just external chaos that Jesus conquers; He calms the storms within our hearts too. We'll examine moments when Jesus commanded peace to the wind and waves and delivered individuals from inner turmoil. This episode offers a fresh perspective on the transformative power of faith and God's unwavering love.
Download the Pray.com app today to experience the vivid revelation of God's divine presence through cinematic storytelling, guided by the influence of the Holy Spirit.
For more encouragement in God's grace visit AndrewFarley.org.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Let us pray You rule the pride of the sea.
When its waves rise up, you calm them. Psalm chapter
eighty nine, verse nine. Heavenly Father, I come to you
today in thankfulness and with a humble heart. I thank
you for the peace that you have brought into my
(00:21):
life in times of chaos and confusion. It is only
through your love and grace that I have been able
to find peace. You have given me strength when I
felt weak, and direction when I felt lost. Through the
power of your spirit and the truth of your word,
I can navigate any challenge that lies ahead. Lord, grant
(00:44):
me wisdom and clarity as I continue on this journey
with you, show me the path that brings genuine, lasting
peace into my life. In Jesus name, Amen, thank you
for praying with me today. Now discover the profound intricacies
of scripture through prey dot COM's podcast The Heartbeat of
(01:06):
Faith with doctor Andrew Farley. Stay tuned after this quick
word from our sponsors. Does your money stretch as far
as it used to? Most likely know? Here's why it
took two hundred years for the US to print its
first five trillion dollars. Today Washington has done that in
just three years. The problem. Every new dollar makes each
(01:28):
of your dollars worth less. Our sponsor, Birch Gold Group,
has helped tens of thousands of Americans protect their iras
or four oh one k's from the dollar's loss in
value with physical gold and silver. Now you can too
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(01:51):
With an A plus rating with the BBB, You're in
good hands with Birch Gold. So get your no cost,
no obligation info kit now by texting Heartbeat to the
number nine eight nine eight nine eight.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Hello, I'm doctor Andrew Farley with today's episode of the
Heartbeat of Faith podcast. Today we continue to explore images
used in the Bible to convey deep meaning and eternal truth.
What do these images mean and how often do they
recur in scripture. Today's image prevails throughout the entirety of scripture,
(02:36):
signaling to us the foundational work God has done since
the very beginning. The image we explore today is the
image of chaotic and still waters. From the moment the
Bible begins, we're introduced to dark and chaotic waters with
God's spirit hovering over the abyss.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
In the very beginning, out of nothingness, God formed and
created the expanse of space and the details of Earth.
The Earth was empty, chaotic, and without life. God's spirit
hovered over the empty and chaotic void.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
The Bible portrays the Earth as unformed, uninhabitable, and drowning
in chaotic water. The waters were dark and raging, but
God's spirit was hovering over the waters, waiting to bring
order to the chaos. The image of a raging sea
(03:42):
is often used in scripture to signify our lives apart
from God. The psalmist David used wave imagery to describe
his turmoil. God wants to speak peace into our chaotic lives.
This idea was exemplified through Jesus several times. Let's look
(04:03):
back at two moments. When Jesus prevailed over the dark
and stormy seas.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Miles away. The wind was picking up. In the middle
of the sea. Waves began to crash against the side
of the disciples boat. The setting sun shed light on
the chopping waves as the disciples desperately held on to
the sides. As the disciples were being tossed by the wind,
one of them could see a figure in the distance.
It stood above the waves as if it was shifting ground.
(04:36):
What is that, they shouted. All of them shifted to
the side of the boat. Is it a ghost? They asked.
The figure walked closer to them, and their hearts beat
fast with fear. As dusk broke into night, the figure
was close enough to see it was Jesus walking above
the breakers and the waves. Take heart, Jesus shouted, it
(04:59):
is I. Do not be afraid. The men could barely
believe their own eyes. They had seen Jesus calm the
storms before, but now he walked upon it like steady earth.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
The water threatening the disciples was not a concern for Jesus.
He walked over the waters, signifying that he was immune
to the fear and worry that sometimes consume us. Jesus
endured circumstances that would overwhelm us, and he showed his
authority over the water by walking on top of it,
(05:34):
and even invited Peter to walk on it with him.
When we walk by God's spirit today, we walk in
the authority and victory of Jesus.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Peter's eyes began to well up with tears, and his
heart fluttered in his chest. Lord he said, if it
is truly you command me to come out to you
and walk on the water. Jesus extended his hand and smiled,
Come then, he said. So. Peter approached the side of
the boat. It was still rocking from the waves below.
(06:09):
He stuck out one leg towards the water and felt
it steady underneath him. So he brought his other leg
overboard and saw that the waters did not consume him.
The disciples gasped and tears fell down Peter's eyes as
he looked at Jesus. Like an infant taking his first steps,
Peter walked towards Jesus on the choppy waters. He could
(06:31):
see his lord smiling as he took each step. Peter's
heart could not be more filled with joy. He looked
at Jesus as a son to his father.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Dark and chaotic waters represent the overpowering circumstances that seek
to pull us down into doubt and despair. But Jesus
prevails over our worry and brings us even more confidence
in him. Let's examine some events from the Bible together
and look for parallels.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Jesus looked, stood up and walked towards the front of
the boat. The wind howled like a mighty titan. The
disciples were tossed all around the boat from the waves,
but Jesus's feet were sturdy. As he marched, the wind
whipped at his back, and the rain fell down like gravel.
Jesus looked at the storm like an adversary. The waves
were relentless and smashed against the bough to rock Jesus overboard.
(07:29):
God's hero stood firm. He stretched out his hand and said, hush,
now be still. He spoke to the wind and waves
like disobedient children, like a lion. Finally tamed the wind
and waves subsided and calmed. The sun peered in through
the dark clouds, and the sea became still as glass.
(07:50):
His voice was deep and piercing, but behind the voice
was a man in great pain. He was possessed by
a demon, so it was no longer him who spoke.
He had a storm raging within him. What is your name,
Jesus asked, calmly. I am Legion, the demon replied, for
I am Many. The demon's attempt to intimidate Jesus failed.
(08:12):
Jesus stepped forward, and the demon retreated backwards in fear.
Do not cast me out into the nothingness. Legion begged.
Jesus nodded and gestured to a herd of pigs grazing
on the side of the mountain. The man's body jolted backwards,
and all of the sudden, painful cries could be heard
from the pigs above the mountain. They ran in circles,
eventually tossing themselves off the side of the mountain into
(08:35):
the sea. When the pig herders saw this, they ran
back into the city and gathered people to come and see.
Jesus knelt down to the man's still body. He was
breathing but unconscious. Jesus gestured for one of the disciples
to bring water, and the man was restored to consciousness.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Jesus spoke to the storm that raged around the disciples
and brought to order. He also spoke to the storm
that raged within the man possessed by a demon. Jesus
brings peace to us. He wants to deliver you and
me from the waters that rage in and around us.
(09:16):
Long ago, he did this for the Hebrews while freeing
them from slavery and parting the seas.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
Moses did as God commanded. People watched curiously as Moses
walked towards the waters. Silence fell upon the crowd. As
Moses inhaled deeply and looked to the sky, he remembered
the words of God on Mount SINAI take this staff,
and with it you will do my wonders God had
(09:48):
once told him. Moving his gaze towards the sea, Moses
outstretched his arms with the staff in his right hand.
A cold wind blew violently from the east around him
and the sea. These began to rush to and fro
The wind howled at night, and the waters danced. As
the seas began to split in half. Moses's hands were
(10:10):
lifted in the air, and all of Israel stood in
awe of the wonders of their lord. All of Israel
went into the midst of the sea and walked through
on dry ground. The waters surrounded them like two walls
on the right and the left. Thousands of gods, redeemed
people stumbled through the alleyways of the divided seas, and
(10:32):
Pharaoh's army began descending to capture them. Pharaoh's army, chariots
and horsemen pursued them into the split seas. As they
closed the gap between them and Israel, God's pillar of
fire and cloud threw them into a panic. Their horses
fell and their chariots crumpled. The army looked up, and
(10:54):
the waters began to sway back and forth above them.
The waters fell like a crumbling wall, and the Egyptians
were swallowed up by the raging waters. Not one of
them remained, and Pharaoh's hardened heart dissolved in the darkness
of the deep sea.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
In contrast to the raging sea, the Bible also talks
about still and peaceful streams. Unlike the wild oceans, streams
are in control and their paths are established. The Bible
uses images of still waters and steady streams to represent
the peace that comes when we know and trust God.
Speaker 3 (11:39):
Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the council
of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners,
nor sit in the seat of scoffers. But his delight
is in Yahweh's law. On his law he meditates day
and night. He will be like a tree planted by
the streams of water that produces its fruit in its season,
(12:01):
whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall
prosper Psalm one one through three Yahweh is my shepherd.
I shall lack nothing. What makes me lie down in
green pastures, he leads me beside still waters Psalm twenty
(12:22):
three one through two. Now, on the last and greatest
day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, If
anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.
He who believes in me, As the Scripture has said,
from within him will flow rivers of living water. John
(12:42):
seven thirty seven through thirty eight.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
In the imagery of the living water, we encounter the
profound depths of God's goodness and love for us. This
isn't merely water to quench our momentary thirst, but a
ceaseless river that springs forth from within us, symbolizing the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we're not just
(13:09):
visited by God on occasion. His Spirit takes up permanent
residence within us, offering wisdom, counsel, and comfort. The waters
are always fresh, always available, speaking to the constant, unchanging
nature of God's affection. Just as the Lord is our shepherd,
(13:32):
guiding and guarding us every step of the journey, the
living water he provides is a testament to his unfailing
provision and care. In his tender provision, we've been granted
everything we need for life and godliness. God's commitment to us,
(13:54):
sealed by his spirit within us, is the ultimate reassurance
of his goodness. As we walk with him, lean into
his promises and let these living waters flow freely from us,
will not only be nourished in our souls, but also
we'll share His grace and life with a thirsty world.
(14:18):
Thank you for listening to today's episode of the Heartbeat
of Faith podcast. Follow the podcast so you can learn
about the Bible in this entertaining and inspiring way. Download
the prey dot com app, and for more encouragement in
God's grace, visit Andrewfarley dot org. That's Andrew Farley dot org.
Let us pray You rule the pride of the sea.
When its waves rise up, you calm them. Psalm chapter
eighty nine, verse nine. Heavenly Father, I come to you
today in thankfulness and with a humble heart. I thank
you for the peace that you have brought into my
(00:21):
life in times of chaos and confusion. It is only
through your love and grace that I have been able
to find peace. You have given me strength when I
felt weak, and direction when I felt lost. Through the
power of your spirit and the truth of your word,
I can navigate any challenge that lies ahead. Lord, grant
(00:44):
me wisdom and clarity as I continue on this journey
with you, show me the path that brings genuine, lasting
peace into my life. In Jesus name, Amen, thank you
for praying with me today. Now discover the profound intricacies
of scripture through prey dot COM's podcast The Heartbeat of
(01:06):
Faith with doctor Andrew Farley. Stay tuned after this quick
word from our sponsors. Does your money stretch as far
as it used to? Most likely know? Here's why it
took two hundred years for the US to print its
first five trillion dollars. Today Washington has done that in
just three years. The problem. Every new dollar makes each
(01:28):
of your dollars worth less. Our sponsor, Birch Gold Group,
has helped tens of thousands of Americans protect their iras
or four oh one k's from the dollar's loss in
value with physical gold and silver. Now you can too
get a free info kit on gold right now by
texting the word heartbeat to nine eight nine eight nine eight.
(01:51):
With an A plus rating with the BBB, You're in
good hands with Birch Gold. So get your no cost,
no obligation info kit now by texting Heartbeat to the
number nine eight nine eight nine eight.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Hello, I'm doctor Andrew Farley with today's episode of the
Heartbeat of Faith podcast. Today we continue to explore images
used in the Bible to convey deep meaning and eternal truth.
What do these images mean and how often do they
recur in scripture. Today's image prevails throughout the entirety of scripture,
(02:36):
signaling to us the foundational work God has done since
the very beginning. The image we explore today is the
image of chaotic and still waters. From the moment the
Bible begins, we're introduced to dark and chaotic waters with
God's spirit hovering over the abyss.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
In the very beginning, out of nothingness, God formed and
created the expanse of space and the details of Earth.
The Earth was empty, chaotic, and without life. God's spirit
hovered over the empty and chaotic void.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
The Bible portrays the Earth as unformed, uninhabitable, and drowning
in chaotic water. The waters were dark and raging, but
God's spirit was hovering over the waters, waiting to bring
order to the chaos. The image of a raging sea
(03:42):
is often used in scripture to signify our lives apart
from God. The psalmist David used wave imagery to describe
his turmoil. God wants to speak peace into our chaotic lives.
This idea was exemplified through Jesus several times. Let's look
(04:03):
back at two moments. When Jesus prevailed over the dark
and stormy seas.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Miles away. The wind was picking up. In the middle
of the sea. Waves began to crash against the side
of the disciples boat. The setting sun shed light on
the chopping waves as the disciples desperately held on to
the sides. As the disciples were being tossed by the wind,
one of them could see a figure in the distance.
It stood above the waves as if it was shifting ground.
(04:36):
What is that, they shouted. All of them shifted to
the side of the boat. Is it a ghost? They asked.
The figure walked closer to them, and their hearts beat
fast with fear. As dusk broke into night, the figure
was close enough to see it was Jesus walking above
the breakers and the waves. Take heart, Jesus shouted, it
(04:59):
is I. Do not be afraid. The men could barely
believe their own eyes. They had seen Jesus calm the
storms before, but now he walked upon it like steady earth.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
The water threatening the disciples was not a concern for Jesus.
He walked over the waters, signifying that he was immune
to the fear and worry that sometimes consume us. Jesus
endured circumstances that would overwhelm us, and he showed his
authority over the water by walking on top of it,
(05:34):
and even invited Peter to walk on it with him.
When we walk by God's spirit today, we walk in
the authority and victory of Jesus.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Peter's eyes began to well up with tears, and his
heart fluttered in his chest. Lord he said, if it
is truly you command me to come out to you
and walk on the water. Jesus extended his hand and smiled,
Come then, he said. So. Peter approached the side of
the boat. It was still rocking from the waves below.
(06:09):
He stuck out one leg towards the water and felt
it steady underneath him. So he brought his other leg
overboard and saw that the waters did not consume him.
The disciples gasped and tears fell down Peter's eyes as
he looked at Jesus. Like an infant taking his first steps,
Peter walked towards Jesus on the choppy waters. He could
(06:31):
see his lord smiling as he took each step. Peter's
heart could not be more filled with joy. He looked
at Jesus as a son to his father.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Dark and chaotic waters represent the overpowering circumstances that seek
to pull us down into doubt and despair. But Jesus
prevails over our worry and brings us even more confidence
in him. Let's examine some events from the Bible together
and look for parallels.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Jesus looked, stood up and walked towards the front of
the boat. The wind howled like a mighty titan. The
disciples were tossed all around the boat from the waves,
but Jesus's feet were sturdy. As he marched, the wind
whipped at his back, and the rain fell down like gravel.
Jesus looked at the storm like an adversary. The waves
were relentless and smashed against the bough to rock Jesus overboard.
(07:29):
God's hero stood firm. He stretched out his hand and said, hush,
now be still. He spoke to the wind and waves
like disobedient children, like a lion. Finally tamed the wind
and waves subsided and calmed. The sun peered in through
the dark clouds, and the sea became still as glass.
(07:50):
His voice was deep and piercing, but behind the voice
was a man in great pain. He was possessed by
a demon, so it was no longer him who spoke.
He had a storm raging within him. What is your name,
Jesus asked, calmly. I am Legion, the demon replied, for
I am Many. The demon's attempt to intimidate Jesus failed.
(08:12):
Jesus stepped forward, and the demon retreated backwards in fear.
Do not cast me out into the nothingness. Legion begged.
Jesus nodded and gestured to a herd of pigs grazing
on the side of the mountain. The man's body jolted backwards,
and all of the sudden, painful cries could be heard
from the pigs above the mountain. They ran in circles,
eventually tossing themselves off the side of the mountain into
(08:35):
the sea. When the pig herders saw this, they ran
back into the city and gathered people to come and see.
Jesus knelt down to the man's still body. He was
breathing but unconscious. Jesus gestured for one of the disciples
to bring water, and the man was restored to consciousness.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Jesus spoke to the storm that raged around the disciples
and brought to order. He also spoke to the storm
that raged within the man possessed by a demon. Jesus
brings peace to us. He wants to deliver you and
me from the waters that rage in and around us.
(09:16):
Long ago, he did this for the Hebrews while freeing
them from slavery and parting the seas.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
Moses did as God commanded. People watched curiously as Moses
walked towards the waters. Silence fell upon the crowd. As
Moses inhaled deeply and looked to the sky, he remembered
the words of God on Mount SINAI take this staff,
and with it you will do my wonders God had
(09:48):
once told him. Moving his gaze towards the sea, Moses
outstretched his arms with the staff in his right hand.
A cold wind blew violently from the east around him
and the sea. These began to rush to and fro
The wind howled at night, and the waters danced. As
the seas began to split in half. Moses's hands were
(10:10):
lifted in the air, and all of Israel stood in
awe of the wonders of their lord. All of Israel
went into the midst of the sea and walked through
on dry ground. The waters surrounded them like two walls
on the right and the left. Thousands of gods, redeemed
people stumbled through the alleyways of the divided seas, and
(10:32):
Pharaoh's army began descending to capture them. Pharaoh's army, chariots
and horsemen pursued them into the split seas. As they
closed the gap between them and Israel, God's pillar of
fire and cloud threw them into a panic. Their horses
fell and their chariots crumpled. The army looked up, and
(10:54):
the waters began to sway back and forth above them.
The waters fell like a crumbling wall, and the Egyptians
were swallowed up by the raging waters. Not one of
them remained, and Pharaoh's hardened heart dissolved in the darkness
of the deep sea.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
In contrast to the raging sea, the Bible also talks
about still and peaceful streams. Unlike the wild oceans, streams
are in control and their paths are established. The Bible
uses images of still waters and steady streams to represent
the peace that comes when we know and trust God.
Speaker 3 (11:39):
Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the council
of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners,
nor sit in the seat of scoffers. But his delight
is in Yahweh's law. On his law he meditates day
and night. He will be like a tree planted by
the streams of water that produces its fruit in its season,
(12:01):
whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall
prosper Psalm one one through three Yahweh is my shepherd.
I shall lack nothing. What makes me lie down in
green pastures, he leads me beside still waters Psalm twenty
(12:22):
three one through two. Now, on the last and greatest
day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, If
anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.
He who believes in me, As the Scripture has said,
from within him will flow rivers of living water. John
(12:42):
seven thirty seven through thirty eight.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
In the imagery of the living water, we encounter the
profound depths of God's goodness and love for us. This
isn't merely water to quench our momentary thirst, but a
ceaseless river that springs forth from within us, symbolizing the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we're not just
(13:09):
visited by God on occasion. His Spirit takes up permanent
residence within us, offering wisdom, counsel, and comfort. The waters
are always fresh, always available, speaking to the constant, unchanging
nature of God's affection. Just as the Lord is our shepherd,
(13:32):
guiding and guarding us every step of the journey, the
living water he provides is a testament to his unfailing
provision and care. In his tender provision, we've been granted
everything we need for life and godliness. God's commitment to us,
(13:54):
sealed by his spirit within us, is the ultimate reassurance
of his goodness. As we walk with him, lean into
his promises and let these living waters flow freely from us,
will not only be nourished in our souls, but also
we'll share His grace and life with a thirsty world.
(14:18):
Thank you for listening to today's episode of the Heartbeat
of Faith podcast. Follow the podcast so you can learn
about the Bible in this entertaining and inspiring way. Download
the prey dot com app, and for more encouragement in
God's grace, visit Andrewfarley dot org. That's Andrew Farley dot org.
Host
Andrew Farley
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