“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’” Mark 4:35-41
Who then is this, who moves us on from where we are and directs us to new places? Who then is this who travels alongside us and is always near? Who then is this who pulses with life and prays for us, who walks above our turmoil and sleeps in the storm, completely serene? Who then is this, who stills our fears by eliciting faith, and calms both heart and element? Who then is this, whose intent for every life situation is that we would trust Him more? (Mark 6:48-51; 8:29)
In the tumble and turmoil of life, do we prickle with all that’s immediate, or pause to consider Who is behind and over everything? We get preoccupied with press and pull, here and now, tit for tat, if and when, hypnotized into urgent’s tyranny and unable to extricate ourselves from petty minutiae to broad perspective. But step back and away, and behold the Master of the universe in control and at intimate work, orchestrating all for His infinite, infinitely good purposes that far outlast our latest urgencies of the day.
How will we train our eyes to see the brilliant mighty God behind everything that is made, and occurs? Knowing from His word His ways of dealing with man sharpens our spiritual vision. From our own transitions and traumas, where can we trace His sovereignty, His providence, His mercies and transforming might? Are we more focused on discomforts, cloudy unknowns, and stormy angst than on the Lord who peacefully and powerfully outlines them all with His light and rules with calm?
“Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
shelters you under his wings, and so gently sustaineth!
Have you not seen all that is needful has been
granted in what he ordaineth?” ~Joachim Neander (1680)
Once I know that I know who this is who lovingly leads, benevolently watches, serenely reigns, and wondrously delivers, I can sing with joy, trust in calm, and proceed into any unknown. The One who blows wind and measures waves loves and cares for you and me. Would we wonder, and adore? (Job 38:8-11,24; Psalm 139:3)
Lord, teach me to trace Your loving, life-giving hand through every situation and season of life. May I know You as the One who does all things well, and faithfully proclaim how much You have done, to the praise of Your glory and marvel of many. (Mark 5:20; 7:37)
As the rain and snow 