Peace! BeStill!

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, the snow is lightly falling, so it really isn't a storm.  I have been caught in storms, both snowstorms driving on a mountain pass, and on bord a small ship in the ocean. Both were times of great concern with moments of terror. I have often thought, in these times of distress of Jesus sleeping in the stern. Jesus is always with us, and often the only good thing we can do is call on him. Jesus is our peace in the midst of our storms. We are never alone.

Wondrous Creator, author of all creation

you bring us all the earthly delights

hang the stars and moon in the heaven

and water the earth with good rain and snow.

We often step out into unexpected storms

and think you are trying to bring us down

when truly you are with us in the darkness

and hold us closely when we are most afraid.

Help us to call upon you in evert challenge

let our first and last thoughts be prayer

may we trust in your power of the storms

and live as those who know we are held close. Amen.