Teacher, Do You Not Care That We Are Perishing?

 

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side." Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"—Mark 4:35-41

I really felt for the disciples here. I don’t know about you, but I need lots of practice in the faith over fear area.  Seems like the disciples did too because 

—even though Jesus was in the boat with them 

—even though they had witnessed Him performing miracles that only God could do

—even though He Had just finished teaching them 

—even though He had promised to get them to the other side

They still doubted and reacted in fear not faith.  

Now, to be fair, the disciples did go to Him in their fear (clearly, they knew where to turn for help), but it seems that in their heart of hearts they doubted Jesus’ ability to help. Worse, than that, they doubted that He even cared enough about them to save them.  Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Yikes!  

Sigh…I hate unbelief. I hate the fear it causes in my heart. I hate the chaos and wrong thinking it brings. I hate how it takes my eyes off of who my God truly is. I forget that He is my peace in the storms of this life. I forget how strong He is.  I forget that His love toward me is unfailing, steadfast and sure. I forget that He has promised never to leave me or forsake me. I forget that He has promised to  bring me to the “other side” safely.  So often I need to hear Him say  "Peace, be still!" to my own fear-ridden and careworn heart lest I drown in the sea of “what if’s”.  

Jesus, You are my Master and the  Master over each and every situation that I face. Faith dispels fear!  Increase my faith!  I believe…help my unbelief. Help me to trust You with all my anxious thoughts. Thank you that even in my failings You are patient and kind.  A bruised reed You will not break and smoking flax You will not quench.  Help me to rest in Your love. The end of my story is good. You have dealt bountifully with me. 

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;—Philippians 1:6

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.—Romans 8:28

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;

For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. —Psalm 4:8