Storms of Life

In the Gardiner Museum in Boston, there is a painting by Rembrandt entitled “The Storm on the Sea of Galilee.” It is Rembrandt’s interpretation of the story that we find in the gospel of Mark (chapter 4:35-41). The painting shows panic etched on the faces of the disciples as their small boat is being lifted up on a high wave. Two of the disciples are attempting to wake Jesus who is sleeping in the stern of the boat.

It is a beautiful painting. However, if you look closely, you will find that there is something that is not quite right. There are too many people in the picture. There should only be thirteen (twelve disciples and Jesus). But if you count them, there are fourteen. One of the men in the boat is Rembrandt himself. He has painted himself into the picture! He placed himself in the same boat.

Maybe you feel as though you have been in that boat too. Maybe you know what it feels like to have the wind howling and the waves crashing around you…When the pressure of the job is just overwhelming, when the marriage is struggling – or when the bills are piling up, or the worry and stress of taking care of a loved one are crushing.

I think we have all had those moments.

In the story in Mark, Jesus calms the storm. He says to the wind, “Peace. Be still.” And there is dead calm. Then he turns to the disciples and he asks, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”

If you feel as though you are in the midst of the storm today, know that you are not alone. There is One who stands with you… There is One who has a claim on your life. There is One who has the power to calm the storms. Trust in him.

Let us pray: O God, in the midst of the storms, calm our fears and help us to keep the faith. May we hear your voice again today, “Peace. Be Still.” Amen.