Then he [Jesus] go into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat… Matthew 8:23-24 (NIV, my emphasis)
He [Jesus] said…â€Why are you so afraid?†Mark 4:40 (NIV, my emphasis)
In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands…†Luke 8:25 (NIV, my emphasis)
Are you battling any fear? Job stability? Too much month for your present money? Are you on your knees every day crying out to God for your child? A loved one who is ill? Has cancer touched your family? Does someone you know have Swine Flu? Is someone you love currently in Afghanistan or in some other place defending freedom? The list is not complete, is it?
I hope you will take time today and read the three views of this Ride in the Storm. The story itself is not long but we need to read it. Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25
Fear is a virus that infects each of us every day. Like a virus, fear does not look the same today as it did yesterday or last month or last year. It is always mutating; changing little characteristics to come without warning and take me out at the knees.
God is faithful. Jesus slept in the boat because He knew Who is always keeping watch and never taken by surprise! I have learned through divorce and death that God is always before me and has a hand already out to catch me when I stumble or trip. Before I know that I need a hand, He is there. Before I know I need to call out to Him, He is there to answer my call.
A fear or situation producing fear occurs – “I trust You, Lord.†Quietly. Firmly. “I trust you with ______.†State the person or situation. “I trust You, Lord.†Recall the times – big and small, major and minor, that God was there before you. Remember the moments of peace in the middle of a storm. When everyone around you was upset, but there was a place of peace. No matter the squalls that blow – “I trust You, Lord.†Remember that the One who calms your storms can do that because He created the wind and rain. He created your emotions. He placed that heart inside of you and can repair it when it is damaged.
- Then they cry to Yahweh in their trouble, and he brings them out of their distress.
- He makes the storm a calm, so that its waves are still.
- Then they are glad because it is calm, so he brings them to their desired haven.
- Let them praise Yahweh for his loving kindness, for his wonderful works for the children of men!
- Let them exalt him also in the assembly of the people, and praise him in the seat of the elders.
- Psalm 107:28-32 (WEB)
