Master the Tempest is Raging

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Master, the Tempest is Raging
A Sermon based on the hymn by Mary A. Baker

Introduction
“Master, the Tempest is Raging” is a hymn born out of turmoil, fear, and ultimate trust in the Savior. Written by Mary A. Baker during a time of deep personal grief, this powerful hymn reflects the inner storm of sorrow and the outward storms of life that can overwhelm even the strongest believer. Inspired by the account of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35–41), the hymn is both a cry for help and a declaration of faith.

We all face storms—grief, illness, trials, doubt, and fear. This hymn reminds us that Jesus is not absent in those storms. He is present, even if it seems He is “asleep.” When we cry, “Master, carest Thou not that we perish?”—He rises and says, “Peace, be still.” The winds and the waves obey Him. And so must we. Let us reflect on each stanza and discover the strength, hope, and peace offered by the One who rules both storm and soul.

Stanza 1 – Master, the tempest is raging!
"Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o'ershadowed with blackness, no shelter or help is nigh.
Carest Thou not that we perish? How canst Thou lie asleep,
When each moment so madly is threatening a grave in the angry deep?"

This stanza mirrors the disciple’s panic in Mark 4:38. Their fear was real. The storm threatened their lives. And yet Jesus slept—unafraid, undisturbed. How often do we, in distress, question whether the Lord sees or cares? This cry is not just of fear—it’s of a soul desperate for divine intervention. It echoes Psalm 44:23–26, where the psalmist cries, “Awake, O Lord! Why do You sleep?” And yet, our cries rise to One who is always in control.

Stanza 2 – Master, with anguish of spirit
"Master, with anguish of spirit I bow in my grief today;
The depths of my sad heart are troubled—oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish sweep o'er my sinking soul;
And I perish! I perish, dear Master; oh, hasten and take control."

This verse personalizes the storm. It moves from external threats to internal turmoil—grief, sin, sorrow. We all encounter moments when despair floods our hearts. The hymn’s author knew this pain. The prayer to “waken and save” is a confession of our inability to fix life’s storms ourselves. The plea is much like Peter’s cry, “Lord, save me!” in Matthew 14:30. The answer is always Jesus. Only He can calm what rages within.

Stanza 3 – Master, the terror is over
"Master, the terror is over, the elements sweetly rest;
Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored, and heaven’s within my breast.
Linger, O blessed Redeemer! Leave me alone no more;
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor and rest on the blissful shore."

The storm has passed. Peace reigns. The final verse is not about deliverance only, but relationship. “Leave me alone no more”—it’s a longing to remain with the Master. This echoes John 14:27, where Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you.” The journey may still go on, but now it is traveled with calm assurance that He is with us.

Master, the Tempest is Raging Sermon Outline:

• Stanza 1: Panic in the Storm
  • Mark 4:38 – “Carest Thou not that we perish?”
  • Psalm 44:23 – Crying out to God in crisis
• Stanza 2: Personal Anguish and Helplessness
  • Matthew 14:30 – “Lord, save me!”
  • Psalm 69:1–2 – “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck”
• Stanza 3: Peace After the Storm
  • John 14:27 – “My peace I give to you”
  • Psalm 107:29–30 – “He calms the storm… He guides them to their desired haven”

Call to Action:
Friend, are you in the midst of a storm? Cry out to the Master. He hears. He cares. He saves. Do not face life’s waves alone. Come to Jesus in obedient faith. Let Him say, “Peace, be still,” to your soul. And He will bring you safely home.

Scripture Reference List:

• Mark 4:35–41 – Jesus calms the storm on the sea
• Psalm 44:23–26 – The cry for God to awaken and save
• Matthew 14:30 – Peter cries out for salvation
• Psalm 69:1–2 – A soul overwhelmed by waters
• John 14:27 – Jesus offers His peace to His followers
• Psalm 107:29–30 – He calms the storm and leads us home

Song History and Author Credit:
“Master, the Tempest is Raging” was written by Mary A. Baker in the late 19th century during a season of deep personal loss. The hymn was commissioned as part of a Sunday school collection, but its vivid imagery and gospel message soon gave it broad popularity. It continues to comfort and challenge believers today.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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