In the Book of Mathew the eighth chapter and Book of Mark the fourth chapter, the authors tell of their boating experience being caught in a great storm. The apostle Mark writes in the fourth chapter “35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
When you think of a storm, you picture lightening, thunder, driving rain, hail, and maybe tornadoes. Since, 2005 the word storm is synonymous with pictures of hurricanes, especially Katrina. The key ingredient in all of these weather phenomenons is “we are not in control”. The lack of our control during these weather situations cause us as humans to have many emotions. I bet the last time it began to rain you thought; Are my windows up? Is it going to flood? Do I have an umbrella? We begin to worry and possibly be distracted about what we cannot control.
Similarly, many authors and philosophers have likened life to a storm. Daily everyone is faced with uncontrollable pressures, deadlines, bad health, financial strife and difficult people. In these instances human nature is to worry, have fear, stress, become distracted or breakdown emotionally and/or mentally. The key is to know what to do in all uncontrollable instances. Alexandre Dumas wrote, "Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” The disciples knew what to do when the storm came. They called upon Jesus Christ our Lord for assistance. Jesus rose from his sleep and comforted the disciples by performing a miracle. The disciples then were fearful of the lord, and questioned his power.
Jesus’s healing and calming power is shown over and over again throughout the Bible. He repeatedly performed miracles and provided evidence that he is the creator, the ruler, the beginning and the end of all creation. But, above all he will provide a comfort in the storm. Mathew and Mark knew to go to Jesus in the times they could not control. What will you do when the waves of the storm of life crash against your bow? Will you call upon the Lord in prayer? Will you have faith in him and surrender your troubles? Allow the Lord to calm your storm with three words as he did so many years ago, Peace! Be Still!
Our Gracious Heavenly Father, as we go throughout this day and week, we are coming to you to calm our storms. Allow us to come to you with our fears and troubles, and leave them at your feet. We know that you can simply say “Peace! Be still!” and all will obey. Guide us to share your word with others who are in trouble. Give us the words to let them know that all the storms of life can be calmed, when we have faith in your all encompassing power. Give us peace of mind and a joyful heart to share your peace and love. In your holy name, Amen!
Adam Tittor
Cleburne, Texas
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