THE CALMING PRESENCE OF JESUS

You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves. —Psalm 89:9

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” —Mark 4:37-41

Cold water splashed over the side of the small boat again. We could see the lights on shore a couple miles away, but there we were with a dead motor, the anchor out and it was in the dead of a pitch black night. The ocean was rough and we had to bail water with a can we had. Going through an overnight experience on the ocean gives you a great appreciation of its power and the control one does not have over it.

What a wonderful picture of Jesus sleeping during a fierce storm while the disciples believed they were going to drown. He was in absolute peace while they were in absolute turmoil. Why the difference? Jesus obviously knew who He was and what He could do. The disciples did not have this understanding. How awesome to see Jesus to speak to the wind and waves, telling them to be “Quiet! Be still!” and they obeyed!

Fellow follower of Jesus, Is He who can still the fierce storm of a sea also capable of stilling the storm in your life? Of course, but also let us acknowledge that just as Jesus’ presence was in the boat with the disciples, so His presence is with those who have called on His Name. Trust Him in and through the storm. You are not in control of it, but He is! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBJJJkiRukY

Dear Father, I am grateful to know that the storms of life are not out of Your control. I know I do not have any control over them but please help me to trust You in and through them. May I do so in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.