Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. [And other little boats were also with Him.] But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. (Luke 8:22-23; Mark 4:35-37; Matthew 8:23-24)
The disciples and other followers had been with Jesus for some time now; they had been eye witness to the miracles He had performed, and now they are on boats traveling with Him from the Galilee area, across the sea to the country of the Gadarenes. A storm arises, water is filling the boats, and they are panicing. They had enough sense to go to Jesus and ask Him to do something. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:38-40; Matthew 8:25-26; Luke 8:24)
WOW! First observance is that Jesus is sound asleep during a terrible storm. When we go through "storms" in our lives, our normal first reaction will be panic and worry. But shortly thereafter, when we remember "I'm God's child!", then we should cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (I Peter 5:7) How? We have to study His Word and know His promises: Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. (Psalm 119:11) And He promises us in His Word, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life,... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. (Matthew 6:25, 32) The context of these verses is telling us not to worry about our daily needs, but the principle applies to all of lifes situations. We aren't to worry about anything that we have to go through, because Jesus, in the person of His "Calm" Holy Spirit, is right there with us. Eventhough we will have to go through various "storms", we are to take on the behavior of Christ Jesus, I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
But, for those of us who have a more difficult time letting go of the feelings of panic and fear, do as the disciples did, and go WAKE HIM UP! I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. (Psalm 118:5) Sometimes God allows "storms" in our lives to wake us up! Sometimes that's the only way we will call on Him, and He uses these storms to demonstrate His power and love for us. Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. (Psalm 107:23-31 NIV)
Finally, Jesus says to the storm, “Peace, be still!” Jesus stays calm during storms, and we have to learn to also. But, if we panic and call on Him for help, He will answer. He will deal with the storms in our lives directly. You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. (Psalm 65:5-8 NIV) With all that the disciples had witnessed Jesus do, He still rebuked them by saying, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:41; Matthew 8:27; Luke 8:25) Who is He? God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah (Psalm 46:1-3)
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