This has been an unprecedented year for storms and disasters of a magnitude most of us could never imagine. From the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan, flooding in the mid-section of our country, droughts that rival the great dust bowl, 100+ degree temperatures in numerous areas that do not usually experience such extremes, tornadoes in areas not accustomed to them, destruction of the hospital and a great deal of the City of Joplin, Missouri, to name just a few. Others experience job loss, life-threatening illnesses, and many other tragedies. Most of us know the devastating loss of a spouse and face loneliness, depression and storms from many unexpected sources.
Where do you think Jesus is in the midst of our storms? Moses experienced a wonderful place of God's Shelter. The Lord told him, There is a place near Me where you may stand on a rock. When My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Exodus 33:21-22.
The apostles experienced storms too. In Mark 4 Jesus gave the Parable of the Sower. Mark's gospel continues: On the same day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, 'Let us cross over to the other side.' Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. A great windstorm arose, and waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?' Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?' And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, 'Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!' Mark 4:35-41
Jesus had a busy day and was tired. He told the apostles to "cross over to the other side." Jesus knew they would get to the other side because He was aware His Father wanted the demon possessed man delivered when they got to the other side. Yet the enemy decided to throw a storm to try to divert them from God's plan. Don't you think the same enemy still tries to divert us from God's plans for us? The apostles had no idea they were going to witness the radical truth that when Christ speaks to storms outside and inside the human heart, both must obey.
Jesus has spoken several words to us about His Peace. He said: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27) Later, Jesus told His apostles He would leave them, but not to fear. He would send His Holy Spirit to be with them. He added, These things I have spoken to you, that in Me, you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33).
Jesus' apostles would later learn they would share the good news of Christ with the world, experience many tribulations, and their peace in the face of extreme opposition was the mark that truly set them apart from the world. Can we also experience the Peace of Jesus in the midst of our troubling storms?
God's Word says in numerous places we can. Here are a few: Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble (fear, or be afraid - in some translations) Psalm 119:165. I experienced this Scripture in the midst of an extremely challenging job situation some years ago.
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:3,4.
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. Col. 3:15. The Amplified Version of the Bible translates this verse like this: And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from the Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts -- deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds -- (in that peaceful state) to which (as members of Christ's) one body, you were also called (to live). And be thankful--appreciative, giving praise to God always.
I know some of you have shared how the Peace of God was with you in situations everyone else thought impossible. One widow shared in our group she had such a Peace from the Lord soon after the passing of her husband that friends and family were amazed. She knew Jesus Himself was her peace in her midst at that time. I am sure the Holy Spirit will remind many of you of a particular situation in which the Peace of Jesus so enveloped you that you blessed others who tried to comfort you.
Our God is Mighty, full of love and faithful. His word tells us in Lamentations 3:22-23 His tender mercy and compassions do not fail. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. My prayer for each of you is that His Peace will flow over and through you as Mighty Rivers in the midst of all your storms, for, He will never ever leave or forsake us. He is our ever-present help in our storms or during our times of trouble (Ps. 46:1).
Be encouraged in Christ's love and everlasting faithfulness. Please join us at our meeting Thursday, August 11 at 6:30 PM at the Calvary Prayer Room.
He is your Shelter in the midst of all your storms, too!
Love and hope in Him,
Dee
