I am all for a good thunderstorm. I love the drama attached to the anticipation of watching the storm clouds roll in. I love the call-and-response relationship between thunder and lightning. I love watching the trees dance in the wind. And I love that most weather apps and radars will keep you updated to the minute on the intensity of the storm.
That's not all! I love the rush to stormproof the yard before rain falls. It’s a race against the clock to bring all the cushions from the deck furniture inside, secure all toys, and ensure that all vehicles are tucked safely in the garage. I love a good storm but only when I am prepared!
It can be scary and overwhelming to be caught in the middle of a storm without time to prepare.
In Matthew's gospel, the disciples experienced a violent storm. As their boat was being shoved and swarmed by the large waves, Jesus was fast asleep. They frantically woke him up by pleading, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He woke up and said to them “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” He then rebuked the wind and the sea, and everything was calm (Matthew 8:24-26).
As bystanders to the experience, it can be easy to judge the disciples or wonder why they were so afraid. After all, Jesus was literally with them in the boat. But how often do we forget that Jesus is with us in the boat when we experience unexpected storms in life?
Even though Jesus is in the boat with us, there are two ways to interpret the fact that He is sleeping amidst the chaos of the storm.
The first is the simple fact that He is sleeping right through the rippling waves and gushing wind. If He is sleeping, is the storm as violent as we perceive it to be? Are we amplifying our experiences or exaggerating our situation? Did we get enough sleep or do we need a snack? Are we overstimulated in our current environment or did our feelings just get hurt? We have all experienced things getting blown out of proportion. Sometimes all it takes is a little ‘reset’ to see that the harsh wind was a light breeze.
The second way to interpret Jesus sleeping in the boat is to ask ourselves why we let Him fall asleep in the first place. Are we actively engaging with Him in conversation each day through prayer or do we only wake Him up when we need something? If we keep our relationship with Him active and alive we are more likely to feel His calming presence during the storms of life.
As you know, we are not greeted with sunshine every single day. We might experience a rainstorm of minor inconveniences throughout our day or an enormous hurricane such as the loss of a loved one or a scary health diagnosis. No matter the magnitude of wind we encounter, our Savior, Jesus Christ, is in the boat with us. We are never alone!
Until next time, your sister in Christ,
Abby
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