Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 29, 2023
Matthew 8:23-27
23 When Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. 24 A huge storm arose on the lake so that waves were sloshing over the boat. But Jesus was asleep. 25 They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, rescue us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you people of weak faith?” Then he got up and gave orders to the winds and the lake, and there was a great calm. 27 The people were amazed and said, “What kind of person is this? Even the winds and the lake obey him!”
Good Morning; Rejoice, again I say, Rejoice!
This morning I am listening to the gentle drizzle of the rain. My plants are drinking the life-giving water. I like to smell the air during the morning rain. There is a special freshness that fills the air. Because it is just drizzling, I still hear the birds chattering in the trees as they begin their new day.
Gentle rains are peaceful and bring a general sense of calmness to me. As I reflect on my morning peace, I contrast this with the storm the disciples are experiencing in our morning passage. They are anxious and fearful as their tiny boat is tossed in the wind and the swells of the water. When they got in the boat, the wind and water were calm, but suddenly they were in a significant storm. They awakened Jesus, who was asleep in the boat and asked him to rescue them.
This story is written in Matthew, Luke, and Mark. Mark’s account has the disciples accusing Jesus of not caring in they drown. Imagine them questioning his concern for their well-being. In all three accounts, Jesus calms the sea and challenges their faith. In their moment of great need, they had doubts.
I think that we have a tendency as well. It’s easy to believe when all is well, but the bigger the storm, the more our doubts trouble us. When we think or shout, “Where are you, God?” or “Why would God let something so awful happen?” we are like the disciples in the boat asking, “Don’t you even care if we drown?” God cares for us and protects us, and God is not the cause of our troubles. God is there to listen, care for, and even carry us when we can no longer take a step. God loves us so much that he sent his only son to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus gave his life for us.
We put human limitations on the power of God. Like the disciples on the boat, we think that our troubles are beyond the scope of God’s power. Jesus is correct when he accuses the disciples, and us, of little faith. The Good News is that God loves and cares for us despite our doubts and shortcomings. All that we must do is ask! God is waiting with open arms!
Loving God, We thank you for Your blessings. We forget that you are there waiting for us to reach out. Help us to embrace your love and mercy. You are the calmness during the storms of life. Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Jesus is my calming presence in every storm.
God cares! Pastor Liz
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