It makes me laugh that the disciples are described as terrified AFTER Jesus calmed the storm. We mere mortals are sometimes less afraid to die at the hand of what we know then to be saved by what we cannot comprehend. But thankfully, Jesus teaches us to trust in His powerful hand. The hand with the power to calm the seas is the same hand that will wipe every tear from our eyes. When we fear the power of the Lord, it ought not be a dreading fear but a respectful fear. Yes, He could destroy us with one gesture, but instead He draws us close and protects us.

When we are held in the hand of God, we ought to act and speak with great courage. The threats of a world that can be quelled merely by His voice have nothing to fatally wound us with. The world has the power to inflict temporary wounds, but the Lord will bring a permanent end to its evil.

Jesus has shown us His power many times, if we have the eyes to see it. The disciples had certainly seen Him perform miracles and yet they still feared a storm when the Creator of the wind and rain sat among them. Our perspective can be so near-sighted sometimes. We become paralyzed by fear of the bad things happening before us because we fail to look beyond the temporary circumstances to the One who is sovereign over all.

Granted, this is much easier said than done. It can be hard to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus when the struggles of life keep yanking on us and screaming for our attention. But we will be far better able to address our struggles when we have the proper perspective. When we look at the Eternal One, we will remember that whatever else needs our attention is merely a light and momentary trouble. He is eternal and real. This life is very real, but it is also very short. Focusing all our energy on the moment when eternity lies before us is a silly waste.

We ought to present ourselves before Jesus Christ and say “Lord, you are forever good and in control of all. Look at this storm that is before me and do what You alone can do.” Then we can sit back and watch Him work in His perfect timing, trusting in His loving, powerful hands. The alternative is to panic as the disciples did. To act as though our world is ending and that Jesus is stuck along for the ride with us instead of realizing that He is in control of the car. The perspective is entirely up to us.

Amen.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Mark 4