I thought it would be easier, tucked safely away in my home with my family all around me. Here, where I can be on my knees in safety and comfort, praying for the sick, the grieving, the fearful. Here where I lift up the doctors, nurses, delivery persons, store clerks, shelf stockers, truck drivers, and others who are out doing battle under conditions I can only imagine through glimpses on the news.
Yet, even here, the worries creep into my mind. Waves of anxiety and gusts of fear can wash over me. In the Bible, we learn of a time when Jesus, weary from tending to the needs of clamoring crowds, was asleep in a boat with his disciples. As they crossed the Sea of Galilee, a fierce storm surrounded them. As their boat was tossed about and waves began to engulf them, the disciples cried out in fear, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” (Matthew 8:25)
Jesus then woke up and commanded the wind and waves to be still. Immediately the wind ceased its blowing, and the sea became calm. The disciples turned to each other in amazement and exclaimed, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:41)
Oh, praise the Lord, the same Jesus who calmed the waves of an angry sea can calm the troubled waters of my mind and soul. When I cry out in fear, I imagine Jesus saying to me, as he said to the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” And then, as I keep my eyes on him instead of the waves of fear that threaten to overwhelm my spirit, I find peace, hope, and calm.
My friend, you too may experience clouds of fear and currents of terror that threaten to sweep over your soul. I urge you to keep your eyes fixed on our powerful Lord and Savior. He who has the power to quiet storms can also provide peace to your spirit.
“In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Dear Lord, I pray for those who are feeling awash with worry and fear. Please calm the storms of our emotions and help us to focus on the peace we can find only in you. Amen.
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