A “furious squall” overcomes the small vessel. Experienced fishermen scream in terror. The storm came out of nowhere with its sudden, violent, and intense burst of wind, accompanied by rain. The winds rapidly increase, visibility is zero, and the waves break over their craft. Will their boat soon be matchsticks? This is not a night to be caught out in the pitch-black water. No wonder they wake Jesus up and yell, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:35-40)
DON’T YOU CARE IF WE DROWN?
Last week Bill had yet more medical tests. The results gave no answers. The clock ticked slowly as we endured more time without a clear diagnosis. Doesn’t God hear? Doesn’t He care? “Jesus, “don’t you care if we drown?” The waves threaten to bury us.
More than just to my waves of fear, Jesus says to me, “Quiet! Be still!” Why am I so afraid? Does God plan to abandon us in the storm?
MY CHOICES
What are my choices? Jesus said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
THE DECISION
A friend recently reminded me that years ago, we went through a life season even more challenging than this one. God presented me with a choice. I could either roll up in a ball and give up, or I could begin declaring His Word, even if I do not feel it. Right now, I choose to trust. My emotions often do not line up, but with the Psalmist, I firmly declare: “I relied completely on the Lord, and he turned toward me and heard my cry for help. He lifted me out of the watery pit, out of the slimy mud. He placed my feet on a rock and gave me secure footing. He gave me reason to sing a new song, praising our God. May many see what God has done, so that they might swear allegiance to him and trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3).
Jesus knows the waters we pass through. He knows the waves that threaten to drown us. He cares. I choose to sing.
“He gave me reason to sing a new song, praising our God. May many see what God has done, so that they might swear allegiance to Him and trust in the Lord.”