Calming Storm-Tossed Lives – by Bilyana de Soto
Jun 26, 2015 1945
There is no doubting that we as human beings run into storms that menace our lives. Christians often have the mistaken notion that coming to the Lord means the end of life’s troubles. But there are times when life is overwhelming and treacherous; when there are anxious and threatening circumstances that give rise to our fears.
We fear losing people. Will my husband/wife always love me?
We fear losing possessions – I’m barely able to make ends meet and will I be able to keep my house?
We fear physical pain, emotional pain, we fear failure, and are rattled by the fear of an uncertain future. God almost never seems further away than when our heart is filled with fear.
Take the experience of the disciples caught in the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Terrified, they woke Jesus and asked him, “Don’t you care if we drown?” Interestingly this very question may be the key to what precedes our fears too? Doubting God’s care and love for us will likewise lead to fear. Looking to the circumstances rather than to the presence of God in our lives is a sure highway to fearland.
The disciples listened to the howling of the winds, looked at the rolling billows, and thought of the inadequate vessel, instead of remembering that Jesus was on board and looking for safety to Him. Jesus responded to their questions with another: “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:26
Faith is the antidote to fear. Faith is confidence in God and trust in his faithfulness. God said to Joshua in the Old Testament, “Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go?” Joshua 1:9.
Have you ever thought of that as a commandment?
– Bilyana De Soto
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