A Great Calm

Why are you afraid?

The backdrop is the Sea of Galilee. With being 690 feet below sea level and Mount Hermon standing 9,200 feet above, this sea experiences strong winds from the months of May through October. The winds would sweep through the narrow surrounding gorges into the valley, causing extremely sudden and violent storms. 

The disciples had followed Jesus into the boat. 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. And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?" (Matthew 8: 23-27 ESV).

The Sea of Galilee was in such turbulence the seasoned fishermen were afraid they were going to perish. Where was Jesus? Asleep. Worn and exhausted, he was asleep. The disciples saw the most awesome display of his deity. They were given a touching picture of his humanity. He was so weary that not even the storm that raged swamping the boat woke him. 

Jesus can calm our storms. There is such peace knowing that Jesus is in control. The world rages and storms arise; some seem as though they would cause us to perish. However, we must remember, Jesus can even calm the wind and sea so he can calm our fears. He can bring peace to our souls no matter what may be going on in our life. Why are we so fearful? 

Lord, I come to you with a humble heart. Forgive me where I have sinned and fallen short of your glory. Thank you for the peace in my heart that surpasses all understanding. When the world around me is raging you bring calm. You bring order to chaos. Thank you for Your Son Jesus Christ who gave himself once and for all. It is in Jesus precious name I pray, amen.