Over the past two days we have had some good thunderstorms roll through the KW area. Last night again as we were heading to bed, the drums of thunder were loud, the lightning was flashing, and the rain was being driven against the back wall of the house. I actually enjoy a good thunderstorm, because as a child we would often sit outside on the porch of the old farmhouse and joy in the crashing and the show of lightning. But last night, as was true as a child, I had significant protection. A strong roof over my head, a solid structure around me, protecting me. There was really nothing to fear.
Not so for the disciples as recorded in Mark 4: 35-41. Read the following and sense the terror of the disciples.
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 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?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Can you feel their terror, the fear that literally takes your breath away? Have you walked in their shoes? Maybe not while in a boat on a stormy lake. Your storm involved the word “cancer” coming from the mouth of a doctor, the pink slip from an employer, or the reality that you do not have the funds available to pay the bills at month end, and there appears to be no one to help.
That is what the disciples experienced as well, yet Jesus was right there in the boat with them. “Don’t you care?,” they shouted to Jesus. And what was His response? “Why are you so afraid?” “Do you still have no faith?”
Jesus was right there; He was present, yet the disciples were still overwhelmed with fear. Yes, Jesus is right there in your life and experience today…. right now! He knows exactly what you are facing and in absolute love He says “Peace. Be Still.”
Over the past two weeks, God has brought to my mind Phil 4 again and again. “Do not be anxious about anything….pray.” “And the peace of God…. will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Yes, storms will come. But Jesus is present, and He cares about you because you are His child. “Fear not…Peace be still.”
God Bless you and keep you….