A Great Calm

I've never experienced a great loss in my life thus far. Both of my parents are still alive and well, my wife and kids are healthy as can be, I've never lost a job, and my house is still standing. My mind almost can't grasp the massive loss of life and property that occurred to those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Then there are those tragedies that happen all around us everyday, whether it be news coverage of traffic fatalities and house fires or a bit closer to home with a good friend being struck with cancer. The storms of life can hit pretty hard.

In Matthew 8:23-27 we find Jesus and His disciples in a boat crossing over the Sea of Galilee. Jesus is asleep in the boat, evidence of the fact that He maintained an exhausting schedule, when a fierce storm arose that rocked the boat. The disciples were in a panic as they fought the waves, yet Jesus remained fast asleep in the midst of the storm. They finally woke Him up, begging Him to save them from a certain death. Incredulously Jesus asked them, "Why are you fearful, you of little faith?" He then did the incredible; with a word from His mouth He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea.

And there was a great calm.

This last verse is perhaps one of the most profound verses I've found in the gospels. How often do we associate the calm that Jesus brings as great? Instead, we imagine a nice pretty scene of flowers and soft music to accompany a copacetic mindset. But the peace that God brings is great. Do I mean that the circumstances that life can bring pale in comparison to the calm that we have in Christ? Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. Our storms are minuscule in comparison to His great calm. It's more than a calmness that quiets a storm; it's a calmness that overpowers and overwhelms the storm.

The question I must be willing to answer is whether I am prepared to experience this great calm from the Lord when life's storms start battering my sails. No matter what tragedy or circumstance that I experience, the calm and deliverance of God is greater than any power that can work against me.