July 10, 2018 – Mark 4:37-38

But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” Mark 4:37-38.

How frantic we become when things are not under our control.  When we are frightened for our safety and can see only being hurt in our near future, we call on Jesus.   

It may not be the wind and waves, but another kind of storm that frightens us.  It may be a severe illness, or rejection from others if we do not think or act like they do.  Perhaps we think we are not ‘good enough’ according to the standards of others.

How did Jesus react when awakened to the storm? He said, “Silence! Be still!”  This is Jesus Christ speaking, the One who has power over all He created — including the wind!  Psalm 46:10 begins, “Be still, and know that I am God!”  Focus and listen to The One who loves us.

Jesus, the Ruler of the World, the Lover of my Soul, the Champion of the downtrodden, the Forgiver of My Sins, asked the disciples, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

When any storm threatens, I remember… But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what He has promised.  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!”Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40