Remember who’s in your boat
Written by Emma Roos, Social Media Manager, Salvation Army Northern Division
In the Bible, the authors often use weather and storms as metaphors to help us understand how Jesus relates to our lives. One of my favorites is found in Mark 4:35-41 when Jesus calms the storm:
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
The metaphor is clear: Darkness, wind, and rain are scary. Sickness, depression, and the uncertainties of life are scary.
When I’m afraid, I tend to panic and react much like the disciples did. I call out to God with panicked prayers because I have forgotten, at least for a moment, the love and faithfulness of Jesus.
Jesus always meets us in these moments of fear. By asking the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Jesus is helping them see that they aren’t alone. Their fears are calmed by his presence and power.
When the storms of life occur – the ones that stir up fears we cannot calm ourselves – we can hold on to three things: we aren’t alone, the storms will end, and growth lies on the other side. On our own, storms of life are daunting. But remember Jesus’ promise: His power can overcome any pain, heartbreak, or storm.
Remember who’s in your boat.
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