In today’s first reading, we read about God addressing Job out of the storm demonstrating his overwhelming power (v1). This is a reminder to us that God is in control even when it appears as if he is not in control.

We see this clearly in the Gospel Proclamation when Jesus’ disciples face a violent storm (v38). It appeared as if Jesus was either unaware or did not care. They did what we would have done. They woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ (v.39). Waking up, the Lord Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “quiet”, the wind ceased and there was great calm (v40). By calming the storm, Jesus demonstrated that he had power over storms just as his
Father had told Job.

We prefer our lives to be ones that are smooth sailing. However, we often experience storms. Some are the results of choices we have made or they may also be spiritual attacks. Either way, Jesus wants to get us through our storms. We hear the words of Jesus to his disciples echo in our ears “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” (v40). These are the times when we find it difficult to “cast all our anxieties on him, for he cares about us.” (1 Pt 5:7).

It is understandable to be anxious or worried when storms overwhelm us. However, we should not think that God does not care. We may be afraid that we are not worthy as those who in the past cried to the Lord in their distress. We want God to get us out of the terror so that we do not have to experience distress or anxiety. However, we forget God’s promise, “In its time, I will do it swiftly.” (Is 60:22)

Our panic is born of our sense of helplessness when we are not in control. But we are Jesus’ disciples, surviving storms is the will of God, “For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” (Mk 8:34-35).

Let us remember that Jesus is with us each time we face a crisis. He may just be waiting for us to bring it to his attention that we recognize our circumstances and that we are unable to do anything about them by ourselves. Jesus may be waiting for us to recognize his power and to place our trust in him.

PRAYER: Abba Father, help us to recognize our utter dependence on you. Amen.