And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8: 23-26 (ESV)
If you’re like me, ever since Standard & Poor’s dropped the credit rating of the United States from an AAA rating to an AA+ rating, you have been watching the U.S. Stock Market. The ups and downs of the market look a lot like waves to me.
Even if the news of the stock market isn’t causing you to feel overwhelmed, there may be other things in life that are causing you to feel like you are in the midst of a storm. Perhaps you are having trouble at home with your spouse or family. Maybe you are experiencing problems at work. It might be that you are having health issues, or having your own issues with finances. Whenever the storms of life are raging in your life what do you do?
I love this story of the disciples in the boat with Jesus when the storm rises upon the sea. The first thing to remember is that Jesus was in the boat with them. So, my friend, is Jesus in the boat with you? Have you invited Jesus to be with you in the storms that you are experiencing? The other thing to note is that in their fear, they awaken Jesus. Have you taken time to call upon Jesus? He is there in your midst, right now. Then, when Jesus said to the disciples, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith.” Did you know that often the word “faith” actually can be translated as “trust?” So, do you have it within yourself to trust in God even in the midst of your storms?
No matter what happens over the next few weeks and months with the stock market or in your personal life, I invite you to call on Jesus and trust Him to be present in your life. Give all the storms in your everyday living into Jesus’ care. Even today, this day, Jesus still calms storms.
Holy One, calm the storms of my life. Remind me that I belong to you and that nothing can change that. In Your Precious and Holy Name. Amen.
Serving with you, I remain…
Your friend,
Mark David Jackson
