Dear Friend,
The fall season is one of my FAVORITE times of year, and we have been feeling it here in Nashville. It is chilly enough to break out the sweaters, and every coffee shop has its signature pumpkin spice drink. That said, this time of year can go by fast, and it can be challenging to slow down as things begin to pick up. If you are in school, your work may be stacking up quickly, or maybe you are in the midst of midterm season (Like me). Or perhaps you are working full-time and struggling to find rest while balancing a busy schedule. In any case, there are times when it is a STRUGGLE to get your head above water with the weight of the world holding you down.
I am with you in these heavy feelings, and this week, I kept turning to the scripture of the Calming of the Storm at Sea. I wanted to share a little reflection on this and some questions to meditate on in prayer. Settle in, grab your journal, and let’s dive in.
As evening drew on that day, he said to them, “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up, and waves were breaking over the boat so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “ Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm. Then he said to them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even the wind and sea obey?” Mark 4: 35-41
Imagine you are on a little wooden boat out on the water. You smell the salt air, feel the breeze, and are gently rocked by the motion of the ocean. Some time passes, and the sky darkens and becomes ominous. You remain calm, you are a fisherman, and you have a great deal of experience on boats. Then, the wind picks up, and the waves become more violent. Water is now pouring into all sides of the ship, and you start to panic. You could drown; nothing you are doing is helping, and you realize this is beyond your control.
What are the storms brewing in your life? Do you have an overwhelming amount of work to get done? Are you applying to jobs and struggling to decide what you will do with your future? Have you over-committed yourself to events? Are you having a hard time with relationships, feeling like there is a situation you can’t move past? Maybe your storms have to do with finances, family, or losing a loved one. Take a moment to bring whatever is filling up your boat to the Lord.
One of the words that struck me when reading this scripture is “Perishing.” The disciples truly believed that they were going to die. They knew that they were on the brink of death and did not see a way that they could make it through this storm on their own. They turn to Jesus, not in faith, but in despair.
You may be wondering: How can I possibly survive this? How can I make it through this storm?
BUT you are not alone in your little wooden boat. Jesus is in the boat with us, longing to be woken, to quiet the storms. He wants to be invited into what you are going through, to keep you from drowning. Jesus stills the storm, and there is a “great calm.” I’m sure this was not only in terms of the weather but also describing the calm in the disciples’ hearts.
Jesus says something else, though: ” Why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?” He does not hold this against the disciples, as he still quiets the storm, but he knows that so much anxiety and agony could have been saved if they had faith and turned to Him sooner.
Have you woken up sleeping Jesus in your boat? He desires to bring peace into our lives. It is easy not to turn to Jesus when things are messy and challenging. We often want to take things into our own hands, but he longs to be woken.
As you go about this busy season, remember that Jesus is always in the boat with you, even when the storms of life seem overwhelming. Take time to wake Him, invite Him into your challenges, and trust He will bring peace and calm to your heart. No matter how strong the storm is, God is stronger. I encourage you to take a moment this week to reflect on the storms you’re facing and bring them to Jesus in prayer. He is with you, and He is more significant than any storm.
With love and prayers,
A Catholic Girl
AKA Jillian
