Life happens suddenly in an imperfect, constantly in flux world in ways so unexpected it threatens our very existence—we think.  Our first thought is panic until we are forced to deal with the situation in the best way possible—we think.  “Do something!” we shout in panic to anyone standing around us this seems to be the method by which we problem solve which includes blaming others who are near the situation. We are fixers and faultfinders.

What if we trained ourselves in a new habit?  What if our first thought was to ask God the Creator of all, who knows all before, during and after any crisis we might endure what He thinks we should do—or not do?  What if we relied so heavily on the power of the God’s Holy Spirit living in us, being aware of His Presence in our lives, that any crisis became just another challenge in which to learn something new?  I know, right?!

Mark 4, The Message

^35-38 Late that day he said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side.” They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, “Teacher, is it nothing to you that we’re going down?”

^39-40 Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, “Quiet! Settle down!” The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples: “Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith at all?”

⁴¹ They were in absolute awe, staggered. “Who is this, anyway?” they asked. “Wind and sea at his beck and call!”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Jesus, The One who was with God at the beginning of all creation was asleep. The Son of Man was tired from preaching, telling stories of life change and redemption, and healing!  The One who had the power to heal the sick and remove demons from those in bondage was in the boat with them!  But when the storm threatened to sink their boat, panic and blame were their first human thoughts. 

Some of these guys were fishermen!  They knew boats and they knew storms can pop up on the sea!  But instead, they panic with the rest.  Can we blame them?  They know enough to know they are in trouble!

“Teacher, is it nothing to you that we’re going down?”  How many times have we said the same in our troubles?  “God, isn’t there something you can do to get me out of this?”  Jesus knows, not only how storms work, He has control over them. 

Jesus can and will settle the storm and teaches a faith lesson these disciples will never forget!  With merely a few words, God created the waters and set them in place.  With a few words, Jesus commanded the wind and the waters to calm down.  (See the relationship?) The wind ran out of breath, the sea was smooth as glass, and there was peace once more…with just His word.

Don’t you have any faith at all?” –Jesus

Ouch! Jesus has reprimanded me with this question many times after my own overthinking, finding blame in myself and others, and other ungodly actions and reactions to uncontrollable life situations that I try to “fix” on my own, in a panic.  Panic is a default human first response but can be quickly overridden with honest prayer.  It only takes a few words from our hearts to God’s ears!

“Lord, God, help me!” 

“Jesus, lead me!”

“Jesus, I trust you!”

Hide God’s Word in your heart so that when the storms come and panic threatens our being; we remember how God promises to help us! He always has and always will!

“Show me how to be and what to do according to your will for you know what is on the other side of this situation!”  (“Be still and know that I am God”, Psalm 46)

“Lord, I cry out for wisdom, insight, and understanding!” (Proverbs 2:3-6 response!)

When perplexed and confused by life, I often turn to Psalm 143 for confidence as I remember God is in control and will lead me through it all “on level ground”.  Here are some snippets that we can pray from this psalm of praise, help and assurance—

“Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.”  (Praise to God who saves us!)

“I am paralyzed with fear. I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.”  (Gratitude to God!)

“I lift my hands to you in prayer.” (Turn to God for help!)

“Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens.” (Confession to God!  I cannot do this alone.)

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” (Declaring our trust in God as we let go of self!)

“Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.(God is our rescue and shelter!)

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.”  (God is our Master Teacher)

“May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.” (Acknowledging who God is and is with us always.)

“I am your servant.”  (We resolve and declare God to be in charge of every part of our lives!)

In Psalm 143, David prayed for God’s strength when he felt overwhelmed.  I’m so glad we have this prayer to guide us! Through praying this psalm of David, God gives us the endurance we need to face whatever situation life brings us.  No need to panic.  No need to blame.  Just let God do what He does best!  There are lessons to learn!

Panic vanishes like the wind that lost its breath when we pray to God and let God take control —in Jesus Name!

May our shock turn to awe of you, dear Jesus!

Lord,

Thank you for these blessed thoughts of assurance from your Word today.  Be our strength and our song all day long and into the night!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Teach me to do your will as we Your Spirit leads me to level headed thinking and behaving.  I am yours.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen!