Following a full day of intensive teaching before large crowds hungry to hear Him, Jesus said to His disciple, “Let us go to the other side” of the Sea of Galilee. While on their water journey, a storm swelled up and became fierce, tossing their boat with forceful waves. The disciples did what they could to stay afloat. Jesus slept. They became frantic, and in desperation called out to Him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown” (Mark 4.38)? They likely thought, “Do you not know what is happening; are you not aware of the trouble we are in right now; do you not realize we are about to sink; do you not care as our very lives are in danger? How can you sleep through all of this?”
How often do similar thoughts go through our minds as we experience difficult situations, when we face troubles without seeming end, when we feel we are going to drown in the struggles of life, when we are weary to the point of immobility. The storms of life may seem to overwhelm us; at times we see no way out as we work to obtain relief but only grow wearier. We cry out, “Teacher, do you not care (4.38)?” Might our faith not shrink in these times of lonely need; might we not become desperate and quit. Rather, might we trust Him who is able to do all things. Knowing our Lord created us and knows us completely, will He not also keep us? Did He die on the cross and redeem us only to lose us under the weight of life’s trials? The Lord spoke to the prevailing storm, “Peace! Be still! And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (4.39). Our storms may not so suddenly end, but He will provide the fullness of His peace in the midst of them. May we remember His sovereign loves and care for us; may we be confident knowing He does not change. He does not close His eyes to us; He does not forget us. Today, regardless of the storm, may we know His peace and calm, resting in Him and delighting in His presence, comforted in His unfailing and unending love and care.
Safe and at peace in Christ – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 