Have you ever stood on a beach and marveled at the majestic ferocity of wind-driven waves cresting and slamming into a sandy shoreline? It’s truly a sight to behold. The sound alone is enough to stir in my soul feelings of peace and tranquility. I for one love to watch the sun rise and set in a fiery sky that reflects God’s glory in an ocean of frothy waves and roiling surf.
As beautiful as this spectacle can be, the power behind these waves can be extremely dangerous if not viewed from a safe distance. And similar to waves crashing into shore, I often wish I could step back a safe distance to watch those things in my life that cause me heartache. I would far rather view such painful experiences from the sanctuary of a sandy beach than neck-deep and drowning in situations that threaten to destroy the harmony I so desperately cling too.
Let’s face it; life is not always as smooth as a pristine glassy lake, or an ocean shoreline that is calm enough for us to walk through the surf up to our knees. In my life, I’ve encountered many situations where my feet are pulled out from under me, where rough seas grab hold and pull me under the surface. It’s during such a calamity that my faith is tested and doubts enter my mind when God remains silent and the waves grow in size and strength. And do you know what? This response is exactly what the devil wants. He wants us to lose hope that Jesus will ever calm the storm. I sense you nodding your head, that you’ve been under the waves more than a few times in your life.
But there is good news when the undertow of life is too great. The good news is Jesus Christ. He is fully capable of calming the storms in your life. In the bible, there is the story of Jesus in a boat with his disciples, the group crossing to go over to the other side of lake. 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?” (Mark 4:37, 38 NLT)
Now here is the cool part!
“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 so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’” (Mark 4:39, 40 NLT)
My friend; when the undercurrent of life pulls you below the surface and you feel like you might drown, might I encourage you to place your hope and trust and life into the very capable hands of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Don’t be afraid. He can overcome any obstacle you face. He can still the waters and renew your spirit. He can restore your soul and provide the peace that passes all understanding. You just have to let him.
Paul Smyth
