Experiencing God's Presence #333

Experiencing God's Presence #333

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 4:38

The sea was stormy, waves were splashing into the boat, the disciples were in a panic, and Jesus was sleeping through it all. He must have been tired—Galilean fishing boats were small enough to get tossed around harshly in a storm, and no one could sleep under those conditions without being exhausted. But the disciples had enough energy to be frantic about the situation, so they woke Him up with an accusation: “Don’t you even care?”

The disciples seem to have already assumed a disastrous fate, but they at least wanted the Savior to act like He might be able to save—or even to care. So Jesus got up, rebuked the wind, and commanded the water to be still. The elements obeyed, and Jesus questioned His friends about their fear compared to their faith. Apparently, the storm had only appeared to be a threat. In reality, it wasn’t. Especially when someone with faith and divine authority commanded it to stop.

Are there moments in your life when you wonder if Jesus is asleep? When a storm is raging and you can’t understand why He doesn’t seem concerned? It isn’t an uncommon situation in our relationship with Him. Even when He is assuredly present with us, it often seems like He isn’t. But you can rest assured that He isn’t worried about your situation like you are. He knows how it will turn out, and He wants your faith to win out over your fear. Doesn’t He care that you’re going to drown? Yes, He cares; and no, you aren’t going to drown. Trust Him to speak to your storm at the right time.

Jesus, I know You care, and I know You aren’t really sleeping on the job in my life. Please speak to my storms and tell them to be still. Until You do, please fill me with faith instead of fear.