Have you ever slept through a storm? I seem to have the uncanny ability to do this. I'm not so sure I would sleep through a storm if I were in the midst of it in a boat in the middle of a lake. But Jesus did. He slept even though the waves were crashing the side of the boat.
23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
~ Matthew 8:23-27
This is such a reminder to me that Jesus knew the Father was in complete control, and he had a heart at rest, even amid a storm. We have hearts that are not so at rest amidst the storms of our lives.
Related Link: Podcast EP 2: Trusting God in the Midst of a Trial
The text above (Matthew 8:23-27) is sometimes used to call out the disciples for their lack of faith. But I want to remember their example of calling out to Jesus in the midst of the storm. Do I find myself calling out to the Lord when the waves are crashing and the wind is roaring? Jesus isn't always my first place to turn in those moments.
How many times can we become anxious as they did and not call out to Jesus?
They knew where to turn when chaos arose. We're going to have much chaos. Where do we turn first when trials come or difficulties or just feeling overwhelmed?
Jesus was one with the Father. He didn't have a care in the world. It didn't mean He didn't care or take action, but he didn't have to worry or be anxious. Jesus came to this earth, did what He was called to do, and left the rest in God's hands.
Our Lord Jesus was reviled and betrayed, and He suffered greatly, and amidst all the various difficulties he faced while coming to our world as a man, He kept a quiet heart. He was one with the Father.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
~ Psalm 16:5
What else do we need when the Lord is my chosen portion? There's a comfort knowing that He holds my lot. The Lord has sovereignly and lovingly given me my portion. There is nothing in this life outside of His control. Nothing He has allowed that is not for my eternal good and His glory.
Related: Podcast EP 75 – The Lord Appoints Our Portion
He can calm the storm with a word, and He can calm the storm in my heart as well. Because of Christ in us, we too can have quiet hearts in the midst of the storms of life.Related Link: Giving Thanks in the Storms of Life
Amidst the storms of this life, we can have hearts that are content with what the Lord has given us. We can know that it is good. All is grace.
The Lord has sovereignly and lovingly given me my portion. There is nothing in this life outside of His control.He can calm the storm with a word, and He can calm the storm in my heart as well. Because of Christ in us, we too can have quiet hearts in the midst of the storms of life.
Elisabeth Elliot's words from Keep a Quiet Heart come first to my mind here:
“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
~ Lina Sandell
Related Resources:
Giving Thanks in the Storms of Life
Podcast Episode 2: Trusting God in the Midst of a Trial
Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot
I just found your blog and podcasts through facebook last week and am enjoying your teaching so much. Thank you for the exhortation and encouragement! I have taken a lot of years to learn to turn to God first when storms come. I come from a long line of self sufficient “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” people. I’m praying that God will remind me in the first moment of a trial to turn to Him first!