“But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:37-40 NLT
Out of the still night came the booms of fireworks exploding around our house. It was our Independence Day, and people were taking advantage of the opportunity to celebrate with the loud and colorful “artificial fire.” Famous alerted me to the noise, and I told him not to worry. But I knew he would not be satisfied until he could make sure nothing was threatening us.
So off we headed through the neighborhood with bangs and whistles firing off around us. He remained calm even though he was annoyed by the erratic and loud noises. Once around the block and he was ready to head indoors convinced the sounds were not right outside our house.
Storms may threaten our well-being, our health, our neighborhoods or our way of life. Out of the dark an evil can possess someone to commit murder or terror. And many wonder “Where was God?” or “How could He allow this to happen?” The answer is He is alway with us. He is with us as the sense, the reason, the calm returns. He is in the good Samaritans, the first responders and the medical teams that help us through the chaos. He teaches us to not give in to fear but to grow in faith.
Jesus, protect me this day from tragedy, but even so, keep me mindful of Your abiding presence.
ourdailydogdotcom 