Calming the storm

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly 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!’ Matthew 8:23-25

Jesus was the calmer of the storm when the disciples were terrified in their boat. I often think about that scene in my mind when I feel like I am bobbing around on the choppy seas of life.

Sometimes in my imagination I am stood at the bow of the boat, wind in my hair, riding the waves with confidence knowing that if I slip, Jesus will catch me.

Other times I’m under the deck, curled up, frightened to even open my eyes as the boat rocks and tips, praying I might feel a hand on my shoulder to save me.

I’m in the second scenario at the moment.

Some around me have noticed that my faith “phase” has not passed. This had made them nervous, scared that I’ve had some sort of episode, confused at why I have changed, cross that I am not the same person anymore, resentful that I have a different outlook. 

I just love God, that’s the bottom line. 

I am taking a path to follow Jesus.

He is calling me, I cannot ignore it, I don’t want to ignore it.

I dip back into the story of Jesus calming the storm when I feel like I am all at sea with no one to listen. 

As I started writing this post I was under the deck of the boat, hiding, scared, eyes closed, wrapped up in my own worry. I could not see that Jesus was already there with me.

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. – Mark 4:38

Nervously I stand up and get my balance, I climb up the steps and stick my head out of the hatch, the fresh windy air is invigorating, the boat still pitches and rolls, I’m unsure and duck down so only my eyes peer over, I see Jesus on the deck, so I get up and follow. 

I walk up the deck onto the bow, grasping the rail with each step, the wind is strong and I have to catch my breath but I’m still moving.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. – Mark 4:39

Finally I stand up tall, arms open. The storm is calm, I look across the water and my Lord is there with me.

I scramble over to the side of the boat, my feet swing over the side above sun sparkling sea and I watch as he smiles and walks, I am at peace once again.