Storm Language

S – Mark 4: 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?’

 

 

O - The disciples find themselves in a furious place. I’m sure it wasn’t the first time they had experienced bad or stormy weather. However this was a serious storm. It took them to their fear limits; in fact they were expecting to die by drowning! Their waking of Jesus of Jesus was not in the expectation of a miracle, rather it was in the response of their fears which took them to a place of accusation to Jesus – ‘don’t you care if we drown?’ this was addressed to Jesus whom they had just witnessed earlier His compassion and power in the demonstrating of miracles to the crowd who was listening to Him. It seems they had lost any expectation for a miracle. They seemed to be more disconcerted that Jesus was asleep, not pulling his weight while they were battling to save their lives, and prevent the boat from going under. It was of course the wrong question to address to Jesus. Perhaps the right question was to ask for a miracle.

 

A - I cannot avoid storms but I can be responsible for the language I use in them, and to how I behave or respond when I go through them. In the fear of a personal storm how easy for me to reply the same as they did; ‘where are you Lord, don’t you care that I might be overwhelmed by that which I am going through?’ Yet I see the Lord wants me to have a different language and perspective in the storms. There is an appointment for me to experience and grow in. It was actually Jesus’ idea to go to the other side. I’m sure He knew the storm was going to happen. I see also that his presence is there in the storm. I cannot get go preoccupied and focused on the storm and the consequences that I lose sight that He is present. I also see that in the storms, the Lord has a purpose for me. I think He wants me to learn to be quiet and find a peace as I turn to him with expectation not accusation. Jesus is in the storm with me. He has the power to bring Quiet and peace. I cannot allow myself to be so overwhelmed that I don’t see His appointment, presence or purpose.

 

P – Lord, I know there are many storms. Help me to have my eyes on you rather than the fury of the circumstances. Forgive me when I get so preoccupied with what I have to do, I overlook the fact that you are in the boat going through the storm also. I thank you that your responses in a storm are different to mine. Let me know the Peace and Quiet that you impart and deliver in my storms.