Are You Feeling Pretty Beaten Up?
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut. 31:6
The weather during these last few winters has gone down in the record books across the nation. Although we’re having an especially mild winter this year in the Inland Northwest, the last two winters saw more snow pack than any winter since they began keeping records. We even had snow in August! In fact our springs and summers broke records for rain and strong wind storms too. We were so very tired of the clouds and showers. Sometimes life is just like that. One hard season moves into the next hard season, and we wait for relief.
The New Living Testament wonderfully describes the story of Jesus calming a storm. In Mark 4, we find Jesus and the disciples in a boat.
“But soon a fierce storm came up High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. 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?’
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’
The disciples were absolutely terrified. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked each other. ‘Even the wind and waves obey him!’” Mark 4:37-41 (NLT).
I’m so glad that God is in control even during the most desperate of circumstances. Although Jesus was with them, the disciples thought He was oblivious to the severity of their situation. Jesus used this incident to teach the disciples (and us) at least three important lessons.
First, Jesus is aware of our situation. Christ being human, needed His physical rest, but He was fully aware of the disciples concern. The moment one of them showed concern, Christ was there. As believers we can be assured that God is always with us even if we think we are alone.
Second, Jesus will answer our call for help. Often Christ will let us reach a point of desperation, so we will recognize our dependence upon His mercy and grace. It is when we come to the end of ourselves that we realize “He is on board”, and we’re willing to let Him take control.
Finally, the Presence of Jesus assures us that we can make it through whatever trial we face. At one time or another we will all face disappointment, hardships, and even depression. But only the child of God has the promise that His presence is with us in the midst of the storm. Our Heavenly Father is with us at the beginning of our journey and at the end. He doesn’t promise us smooth sailing, but a safe passage.
Dear Friend, whatever your struggle, whatever your plight, whatever your challenge—God is with you. Let Him take the rudder of your spiritual ship. Sometimes we feel pretty beaten up, but we can trust Him to guide and direct us to safe passage. Remember, Jesus is in the storm with us.
The Power of Truth:
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NLT)
“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
Suggestion for Prayer:
If you are in a tough storm, cry out to Jesus…and expect Him to rescue you. Thank Him for His faithfulness.