In the Storm – Peace – be still

We read in Mark 4:37-41 how Jesus spoke to the great windstorm and brought Peace in what seemed to be a life-threatening situation. The disciples were so afraid that they woke Jesus and said “don’t You care that we are perishing?” I have trouble imagining what it would have been like to have been in the boat, in the dark and in the middle of the sea, with the waves crashing all around me.

Currently we are hearing of the far-reaching effects of the volcano eruption around Tonga, which are felt around the world, in differing degrees.

Although I live in a quiet neighborhood and am well provided for, there have been ‘storms’ in my life at different times, where I have had to lean into the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit and with His authority in me, speak peace to the storm around me.

I was talking to a friend the other day and we were talking about “the eye of the storm” which we sometimes experienced when we lived up north and cyclones were predicted annually. In the ‘eye of the storm’ we know that whilst the storm still rages around us, this is a quiet place in the midst of it.

I love the way the Amplified Classic Bible describes this passage in Mark chapter 4 verse 39 says “and He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) – and (immediately) there was a great calm (a perfect peacefulness)”. It reminded me of Romans 8:19 “for the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God”. Verse 18 says “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us”.

As I ponder these scriptures together:- ‘the wind sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating’ and that the wind and sea were happy to be calm – seemingly just waiting for the command from Jesus – to sink to its rest. Jesus gave authority to His disciples. We have power and authority to speak to the storms.

Is there a storm around you that our Lord and Friend is saying to you:- speak to the storm – command it to be still and at peace?

Sometimes my storms haven’t immediately stopped, but I have spoken and found peace, even “in the eye/midst of the storm” – knowing I “dwell in the secret place of the Most High”- He keeps me safe, leading me beside still waters.

Shalom. Kath