by Kala Loptien

The Calm within the Storm

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”

Matt: 8:26 ESV

Have you ever been scared? I know, I know. That’s probably a rhetorical question. Of course, at some point or another, we’ve all been scared. We fear the unknown. We live with anxiety when our situation spins out of control. Our minds race as we consider the “what if’s” and the “why me’s.” Or there are the times we’ve been so bold as to question God: “Why did you do this?” “How could you let this happen?” “Are you hearing my prayers?” Oh, yes. I’ve been there.

Today, we’re diving into the boat scene. Jesus and his disciples have just boarded. A pretty severe storm starts to brew. Waves violently crash into the boat. The disciples are frantic. Do you remember what Jesus is doing? He’s sound asleep! Whaaat?

And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.”

Matt 8:25 ESV

It’s always refreshing to know that these disciples — who were literally in the boat with our Lord and Savior — were afraid. They had so many scenarios and fears racing through their minds. They were like us. What happens next? Jesus brings the questions. Then…the calm. The disciples are left in awe and wonder. They’re learning (albeit slowly) just who this man that “even the winds and sea obey” might be.

I don’t know about you, but this is feeling uncomfortably familiar. How many times do we fear the storm before it even happens? Even more, how many times do we lack faith in the middle of the storm? The reality of our situation and our condition is: we will face trouble; we will experience suffering; we will have fears. That’s the reality of a broken, sin-filled, enemy-attacking world. But the good news that we need to hear every day is this: We are never alone. Our God doesn’t leave or forsake us. HE has overcome the world.

I pray that the Lord would calm your fears and wipe your tears. I know that life can bring some severe storms. When that happens, cling tightly to Jesus. He’s in that boat with you.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado