The Wind & The Waves

Where do our fears come from?

The answers could be varied depending on who you ask. Answers could be given that a past experience creates fear, or a lack of understanding, or a sense of not being in control. There are plenty of ways fear can begin to kick in. The bigger question becomes: how do you operate when fear overtakes you?

I was recently reading through a small section of the Gospel of Mark and I came across an account where the disciples were with Jesus and fear soaked through their tunics. In Mark 4.35-41 Jesus and His disciples are traveling across the sea when a storm kicks up.

As I was pondering this story it made me reflect on my own moments of walking through storms and fears that threatened to drown me. So, this is more of a personal journal entry than it is a column in the paper, but my hunch is that as I’m wrestling with my story, you will be able to relate within your own story.

The story begins with Jesus inviting the disciples to cross over to the other side of a sea in a boat. This would have been a pretty normal occurrence for these seasoned fishermen. However, this journey was going to be different. A storm was coming, and Jesus still told them to go ahead. The disciples didn’t know about the storm, but Jesus knew it would come. Beyond going on the journey knowing the storm was coming, Jesus even laid down and fell asleep in the stern of the boat.

Imagine the situation from the perspective of the disciples. Out on the water with the land getting further and further away and seeing the clouds forming and the wind picking up. Many of them were expert fishermen and knew what was coming before it hit them, yet they continued forward. Then, the windstorm arose and the waves were breaking over the boat so that the boat was being swamped. Fear kicked in. An internal wondering, “will I survive this storm?”

And then, the disciples looked in the stern, and there was Jesus fast asleep. So they woke him up and asked him the question that so many of us would have asked as well: “Teacher, don’t you care that we are going to die?” This question emphasizes how fear can often direct our thoughts and beliefs about Jesus. That intro: “don’t you care…” tells everything we need to know about the state of mind for the disciples. They didn’t think that Jesus did care. Even though the boat was full and Jesus was there, fear made them feel alone in the middle of the vast sea.

This scene feels like a regular occurrence in my own life. Surrounded by people and knowing that Jesus is with me, and yet feeling utterly alone. The storm clouds are rolling all around, the waves growing and crashing over me. And I utter the same words, “Jesus, do you even care?” as I wonder “will I survive this storm?”

As the story continues: “Jesus got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Silence! Be still!’’ If you have grown up in the midwest then you are familiar with windy days. I once tried to go out to tell the wind to quiet down. It did not listen to me, but in this case, the wind ceased, and there was a great calm at the command of Jesus.

Jesus’ question cuts to the core of our uncertainty and our doubt: ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” I am convinced that our fear comes from a lack of faith. When we can’t see the other side of the sea we begin to let fear kick in. We let our mind wonder and question if Jesus even cares that we are going to die.

This is the truth that I need in the middle of the storms. I need this reminder when things are hard. I need Jesus’ reminder that he controls the storms and He has the power to command them to stop. Even more, I need this reminder that Jesus was with the disciples in the midst of the storm even before He calmed the seas. 

You and I can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us in the middle of the storms just as much as we can take comfort in knowing that He can calm the storm with a word. So, as you get ready to fight through the difficulties raging in your life, may you take comfort in knowing that the Creator of the Universe who controls the wind and the sea also sees you and knows you and is walking with you in the midst of the hard things. 

He has revealed His love for us by walking with us through every trial and temptation. Even more, He walked into a greater storm that you and I would not have survived, just so that He could calm the storm of death in order to bring life to those who trust in Him.

I don’t know what difficulties you are walking through today, but may you grow in your trust that Jesus is with you in the storm and walking with you. May you know that the great King Jesus loves you and sees you.

Photo by Jean-Pierre Brungs on Unsplash