The Wind and The Sea

On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" Mark 4:35-41

Today is the first day of the House of Bishops Spring meeting. The last few days have been very stormy in my life, with my daughter Ariel having surgery so far away, and all the travel I have been doing. Today she is home and sounding strong - teasing me even. Sometimes in the midst of storms we can forget that God is in charge. We can let our fear overwhelm us when our family is threatened and lose sight of God's love within us. Joy does come in the morning and even in our weakest hours, God is there.

The disciples are taking Jesus from the crowd and a storm arises. These men, his companions, have seen miracles and great wonders. Their lives have been changed by Jesus, and yet, they panicked when a violent storm arises. Jesus was asleep and they were having none of it. Fear overwhelmed them and they lost sight of God's love and presence with them. Like all human beings we are overwhelmed at times by the storms of life. It may seem that God is sleeping, ignoring all that surrounded and threatens us. May we remember always that God is in charge and that we are never forgotten.

Today I ask God to deepen my faith and to make me strong for the storms ahead. May we remember today that God is in charge and that no storm or torment can tear us away from the heart of God.