In a conversation with one of my sons this past week it was brought to my attention how busy things have gotten for me. He said it with the best of intentions, but it certainly made me think a bit. In reflection, I could see his point. Life was getting busy, bouncing from one fire to the next and with little time to rekindle. My loaded days certainly looked different than a year ago, but at what expense? Stressed by the daily entourage of deadlines, projects and well, worry and wonder, that “double-W” will get me every time.
And then I was reminded of a few men with which I could certainly relate. The account of Jesus in the boat with His disciples on a stormy night brought instant peace.
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27
Years ago I recall standing on a small bridge on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. On this particular bridge one can look to the left and see the raging, deep blue almost black waters of the Atlantic Ocean and to the right you can see the calm turquoise blue green, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. Below your feet, under the bridge the two met, yet kept their distance.
When I read this story of the disciples in the boat with Jesus, I’m reminded of the fierce waters of the Atlantic that day and I must admit if this sort of torment “came” upon my boat, it would invoke a slight bit of fear. But without warning, chaos appears in our lives much like the waves of the sea and it is plenty enough to sweep us off our feet.
I’m further struck by the fact that the disciples cried out to Jesus because He was sleeping during the chaos. How many times have I thought Jesus was sleeping in my own chaos? Shaking my fist or expressing a sarcastic “Thanks!” seemed to be the most appropriate response. But Jesus’ response to our chaos is most profound!
Jesus takes our chaos and through our trust in Him brings peace. In the midst of life’s most chaotic moments when Jesus seems to be no where around and silent to the mighty waves He says, “You of little faith!”
May I continue to see the peace in the presence of Jesus, throughout my chaos whose presence alone demands the raging seas of life to become calm and clear.
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