Read: Mark 4:35-41

“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” The disciples stared incredulously at their slumbering Rabbi. How could He rest so peacefully in the midst of this great windstorm? The pounding waves flung water in the boat, and it was all they could do to hang on for dear life. When Jesus finally blinked the sleep away from His eyes, “He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39) The terrified men couldn’t believe their eyes – the storm over, at a man’s command! “Who can this be, [they wondered], that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:41)

By that time, the disciples had seen Jesus do and say enough to have an inkling of His identity. Yet the raging storm made them lose perspective to the point of wondering who their Teacher really could be. I can imagine how they felt. While some people enjoy storms enough to chase them, I do not share that particular sentiment. Howling winds, booming thunderclaps and lightning flashes tend to make me nervous even when I’m sheltered, safe and dry. Gentle rain showers, I can handle. It’s the clamor and din of an intense storm that get me. Jesus may well have been speaking to me when He asked His disciples “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40) Like them, I forget that I’m safe inside and instead allow the commotion outside to make me anxious.

The noise and turmoil of life have a way of obscuring our vision from the truth of God’s word and who He is. Isaiah 30:15 says “In returning and rest shall you be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” When we turn off our distractions and rest quietly in God’s presence, His peace will permeate our hearts and strengthen our confidence, for “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7.

Rather than using our minds to conjure up images of calamity and chaos, we will see as Elisha did, that He who is with us is greater than anything on the outside, no matter how alarming the noise it makes.

Be blessed,

R

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