Saturday 09 March 2019

Psalm: Psalm 93

Background

The Sea of Galilee lies deep in the Jordan valley, below sea level and on the west side of it are mountains and valleys that form deep gorges through which the wind is funnelled directly on to the lake. These winds can whip up a storm in a few minutes and the surface of the lake can change from calm to high waves without any warning.

This is what happened when Jesus and his disciples were crossing the lake. Jesus was weary after a long day dealing with people and he settled down to sleep. The disciples, some of whom were fishermen, concentrated on having a safe journey. But the storm that whistled in from the west was stronger than usual and was threatening to swamp the boat. Perhaps it was the non-fishermen who panicked, but the result was that Jesus was hurriedly woken and they pleaded that he should do something about the danger.

And Jesus spoke and the storm was calmed.

Some people have difficulty in believing that the storm ceased in an instant, but what is really important is that those in the boat were calmed by the fact that Jesus had spoken words of peace with authority. They were amazed, but it strengthened their growing belief that Jesus was no ordinary man. And those words can give us comfort through the storms of life.

 When the winds of change drive us in directions that are alien to us:
God, keep us on a steady course towards the goal you have set for us. 

When our lives are rocked by circumstances beyond our control:
God, keep us from sinking beyond our depth. 

When storms shake our composure and fill us with fear:
God, hold us and reassure us of your presence with us.

When doubts overwhelm us and we feel that all is lost:
God, calm us and help us through to a renewal of our faith.

When the crisis is over and the storm has passed:
God, help us to remember the experience as a promise for the future.

To Ponder: 

• When a life-changing event takes place, how do you cope?
• How do you react to doubt or fear?