Numbers 7-8 Mark 4:21-41

“Jesus was at the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a cushion. His followers woke him and said, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we are drowning!’” (Mark 4:38 NCV)

Jesus had finished a long day of teaching when He called on His disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee with Him. They set out and Jesus fell asleep in the boat. Then the wind and the waves came. The boat was tossed about. The water flowed over the sides of the boat. The disciples, tired as they were, fought the weather with everything they had until they finally woke Jesus with this rebuke. And then, Jesus got up, and with a word, calmed the wind and the waves.  At that point, He rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith.

When Jesus walked on earth, He had physical limitations. He needed to eat and sleep. Now, as God the Son, seated in the Heavenlies, there are no limitations. As I go through various difficulties in life, though, I can understand the disciples’ frustration in this story. I want to call out to God, “Wake up! Don’t You see what I’m going through? Don’t You see the troubles I have?” and, if I’m feeling spiritual in the midst of those troubles, I might even remind God that people see what’s happening to one of His children and are asking why He’s allowing that. Though I complain, God reminds me of His presence. When I scream and shout at God as the troubles rise, He calms me with His love and grace. In those times that I become the wind and the waves that need calming, He reassures me of His love and presence. The wind stops. The water stills. And He seeks me to comfort me.

Thank You Lord that when I blame and accuse You of wrong, You still love me. When I stop seeking You because of circumstances, You never stop seeking me.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.