Peace in your storm

Wow!  These are some challenging times.  Things seem to be more fluid nowadays more than ever.  The current events of today have affected everyone to some degree or another.  I believe that our approach to ministry will change due to the Covid 19 pandemic.  Today’s blog will address what and where the believer can find comfort and peace amidst these ever changing times. What is an appropriate reaction for believers according to the Bible?  Questions abound such as how can I find peace when the world seems to be crashing about us?  

This reminds me of the account of the disciples on the sea of Galilee.  The gospel of Mark provides us with some insight. "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!” (4:35-41).

​Our storm today surrounds the uncertainty of the Coronavirus outbreak. Sheltering in place confines us into our small world much like the disciples experienced in the boat.  Fear has gripped many in our society about the unknown.  Real fear that our actions are driven by fear itself.  Fear is an emotion which became reality when man sinned against God (Genesis 3:8).  Although fear became a reality; fear can be a healthy litmus to provide wisdom; but uncontrolled fear is not biblical for the believer.

​Listen again to the question presented by our Lord to the disciples. “Why are you so afraid?”  These words should help us diagnose reality verses unhealthy reality.  What is at the root of your fear today?  The record of Jesus resting in Mark’s passage should point us  unto who and where we find rest. The King James Version  records the words of Jesus stating “quiet be still”when Jesus addressed  the sea. I like the English Standard Version where it records Jesus speaking “peace be still”. This verbal action by our Lord points out at least two things.  He has the authority over all things and He is the source of peace.  This action by our Lord reiterates His words as recorded in Psalm 46:10.  “Be still and know that I am God”. 

What are ways in which you find peace in God’s word today?  Your comments are encouraged.
Grace and peace