Calm Amidst the Storm

Luke 8:23-25
As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

I’ve thought a lot about this passage as we face a mighty storm this election season. So much anxiety and fear fomented and swirling around us. It’s easy to be like the disciples caught in the midst of that storm. We too can be overcome by fear to the point we don’t know what to do. We even forget our faith. We become hopeless, apathetic, angry, frustrated, hateful – not great examples of the love of Jesus. We must be different right in the middle of the storm. Our faith must set us apart. We must be light in the darkness. Jesus’ love must shine through us.

It’s true, there are serious issues facing us. It’s just that God is so much bigger than all of it. In Him there are huge possibilities. It’s an amazing time to be the church! We have Good News to share, and the world needs it. But it’s going to require us to step up out of the fray, to trust in Jesus, and follow Him, even when it’s hard. What if we start simply? Let’s pray, right now, for those we least desire to pray over.

Loving Jesus, you know my struggles, and when my emotions about this election cloud my view. Please walk with me and lead me back to your path of love, even for those I can barely name. Help me to see them as you do. Fill me with your understanding and grace, and make me an instrument of your peace, right in the midst of this storm. Amen.

This devotion was written by Suzan Lund.