In the Midst of the Storm
There is quite a dramatic scene in the Gospel of Matthew. The disciples are out on the Sea of Galilee as darkness begins to fall and a storm rolls in. The winds commence to howl, and the waves are battering the boat. They are far from land, and we can imagine the worry and anxiety building.
Last month, I wrote about being out on the water on a surfboard watching a storm move in. And a number of you shared with me your own terrifying experiences of being in a small boat out on the ocean in the midst of a storm, with the lighting cracking… It’s harrowing!
But even if you’ve never had that particular experience, you probably still know that feeling. I think we’ve all had one of those moments – when we find ourselves in the heart of the storm; when we are reminded that life is fragile and that we don’t have as much control as we often like to think.
Sometimes the questions might be different; sometimes it is simply the fear of the unknown: Will the children be okay? Will my son? My spouse? What will the diagnosis be? They are downsizing again at work… What would we do? In those moments, it feels as though the winds are howling and the waves are beating…
Matthew tells us, that it is there, in the midst of that storm, that Jesus comes to the disciples. It is as if the physical elements don’t even phase him. He is there in the heart of it, somehow walking through it. And maybe he is hard to see in those moments. Because the disciples clearly don’t recognize him at first… They are terrified and cry out in fear. But Jesus speaks to them.
Biblical scholar Dale Bruner picks up on Jesus’ words in the passage: “Take Courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.” He writes, “These three phrases are worthy of inscription in churches, in homes and on hearts…”
When you find yourself in the midst of the storm, may you remember these phrases. May you hear them spoken to you, and may they echo in your heart. Jesus says to you even now…
Take Courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Let us pray: Meet us, Lord Jesus, in amid the storms of life. Ground us in your peace, and fill us anew with your healing grace. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
