Are You Calm In A Storm?
We’ve been through a lot of storms lately. A tumultuous election. Superstorm Sandy. And now it’s the “fiscal cliff”.
Jesus is the perfect role model when it comes to remaining calm in the storm.
In Gethsemane (Luke 22: 47-53), Jesus is pointed out to His killers by one of His own with a kiss! Talk about irony. His followers rally to defend Him, and He calmly holds them back and performs a miracle, healing the severed ear of a soldier. How does Jesus, who demonstrated such visible anger toward the money changers in the temple, remain so calm?
Then there’s the time in the boat during a storm on the Sea of Galilee. (Mark 4: 36-40) Jesus is sleeping in the back of this little fishing boat while an intense storm is raging…a storm so intense His disciples fear for their lives. They wake Him up and He stills the storm with His words.
And the ultimate calm. Jesus is hanging on the cross (Matthew 27:34-42) in excruciating pain when one of His executioners dares Him to come down…to save Himself…even makes fun of Him. Jesus had raised several people from the dead. It would have been ‘short work’ for Him to drop those soldiers dead and set Himself free. The holes in His hands and feet would have healed just like the ear on the soldier’s head the night before.
So what can we learn from Jesus?
First, Jesus knew that the outcome… the end result… would be all right. Because of Him, we do too. “What can man do to me?” in this life. And Heaven awaits when it’s over.
Secondly, we know character is built under pressure! The exercise of a muscle when the barbell is lifted causes it to get stronger. It’s actually torn a little during the workout, but gets stronger as a result. When the storms come, we respond from the character God has built in us so far as He builds more for the storms yet to come.
Thirdly, character is revealed in the storm. “What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket.” If what’s in the “well” is doubt, fear, confusion, anxiety & anger, that’s what comes out under pressure. If our “well” is full of faith, confidence, peace, certainty & forgiveness, that’s what comes to the surface when the pressure is on.
And Jesus knew God was with Him and He was not alone. Keeping our eyes on Jesus reassures us it’s going to be all right. Jesus is “seated at the right hand of the Father”. Every situation coming at us comes through His hand first. Knowing He loves us so much, knowing the outcome’s going to be all right, and the situation is under His control gives us the confidence we need to be “calm in the midst of the storm.”
Don’t sin, be obedient, stay “bless-able”, and trust God for the outcome.
He’s got the whole world in His hands!
Question: What habits have you developed to help you keep calm in the storm? Please share them with us here.
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Responses (8)
you will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you…Ish 26v3…ps 119v11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against You….His word memomized helps me in the storm as the Spirit brings the encouragement, comfort, peace and direction from inside….
God’s Word is amazing.
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Great Post. I try to keep in mind a few things during the storms. First God is in the boat with us and like with his disciples he is in control. Second remember all storms are temporary. How many storms can you look back at now and share stories about- where when you were in them you felt the world was over? Last, I remember this key verse: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God is more concerned with our Character than our Comfort. Know in the
Thanks Morris. I went to Israel last year and went out on the Sea of Galilee. It’s actually 700 feet below sea level. I’d wondered how you could have such a storm on a 9 mile long lake. The winds come in off the Mediterranean Sea, swirl over the mountains and down over the lake, creating amazingly large waves. Totally understood how that storm happened and the amazing calm Jesus demonstrated.
I’ve been pretty good in this arena. I’m not sure why but when trouble comes, I’m able to shrug it off and continue on my way.
Keep your eyes on Him….that’s the secret.
I have formed a habit of calling on God when I suspect I am about to face a storm. It was not a method of reacting before;however, lately I have noticed it is almost instinctive.