Originally published on March 27, 2020
Calm in the Storm
This week I’ve been reading the story of Jesus’ calming the storm. Mark 4:35-41
Before Jesus calms the storm, we read that the disciples said, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” In the book of Luke, the same story says the disciples cried, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown.”
Several of the disciples were seasoned sailors who knew the lake well; Jesus, by profession, was a carpenter. As experts, they knew this storm was definitely not good, and during it all, Jesus is sleeping! They were probably thinking if he truly understood the gravity of the situation, he would be awake helping them.
If experts panic, we panic. Whenever I fly I always look to the flight attendants to determine whether or not I should worry. I follow their lead during turbulence and calm. One time I was flying to Washington DC, and we hit a pocket of air, and the plane jumped. My flight attendant yelped and sent half the plane into a frenzy!
In our passage, the experts are panicking while Jesus is sleeping. Have you ever felt like you are praying to a sleeping Jesus?
It feels like he is not aware of how much you are struggling; he hasn’t comprehended the danger you are in; he hasn’t realized how desperate you are, how overwhelmed you are, how all alone and all at sea you are!
Of course, we know that God never sleeps! Psalm 121: 3-4 reminds us, “He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
Hard-working experts and Facebook are keeping us informed and up-to-date on all that is happening in terms of the Coronavirus pandemic - and it’s right that they do so; we need and value the information. But all that information at our fingertips and all the rumors and opinions can quickly send us into panic. One thing we need to remember, however, is that Jesus is in the boat. His presence is assured.
The Coronavirus pandemic is difficult to understand and hard to cope with, but at times like this, we need to remember we have the presence of Jesus.
In all the moments of uncertainty, panic, or anxiety we must remember that our hope is anchored in Jesus and he is in the middle of the boat with us! We are never alone, never unloved, never lost with Jesus in our boat.
PAUSE AND PRAY
Take a moment to acknowledge your fears and worries before God.
“Lord, hear me today. I fear ______ and am worried about________ but you are with me and will never forsake me. I know that you are with me in the midst of my storm. Give me the strength to withstand the storm until you are ready to calm it. Help me to feel your presence for I love you and you are good!” Amen
Jeramin Gary
