A Break in the Clouds

(published at http://somethingshappeninghere.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/a-break-in-the-clouds/)

Scriptural Context: (you can read the full Biblical text by clicking on the links) Matthew 8:23-27 Jesus calms the storm Romans 8 If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Psalm 16 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Reflection:
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat (Matthew 8:24). How many of us have similarly felt overpowered by furious circumstances that have erupted? These storms can be external, such as international conflicts that continue to mount and concern us greatly; or the storms can be internal, like the ones in which we as human beings so regularly get caught up, either of our own making, or by being drawn in by others. It is a regular part of living! And, like the disciples in the fishing boat, when these storms erupt, instinctively we are also frightened and panic at the very real threat of being blown over and drowning. But look at what Jesus is doing. His reaction on the boat is where we need to focus: for even as the storm surge pounds, he is sleeping. Resting. Unafraid. Intuitively certain it is all under control. The contrast between the disciples frenzy and Jesus calm certainty is revealing. As

the disciples panic and rouse him, crying, Lord, save us! We are going to drown! Jesus simply replies: You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Why indeed? In the midst of our storms that threaten career paths; that endanger the health of relationships that are most important to us; that unsettle us beyond keeping the lid on and coping well Jesus calmly asks: Why are you so afraid? Given the context, the question seems absurd. Certainly, in the midst of this furious storm, the disciples very re al concern was to be overthrown and drown. Did Jesus not see that? Did he not care? To us, his question seems likewise out of touch. Does he not see the turmoil we are in? Does he not recognize the very real sense of danger we are feeling? How can he ask us that question? Could it be, however, that it is our attachment to our plan that is being threatened our comfort, our ease, our safe little view of the world? Are the storms threatening, not us per se, but instead the vision we have created for ourselves? Maybe these storms, then, call on us to step back and ensure that is indeed Gods plan for us that we are pursuing, and not one we have created for our own comfort. For the Romans passage makes clear that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (8:28). In all things. We will not always see His purpose in the tumultuous circumstances swirling around us; but His plan for us is there nonetheless. Like the wind and water Jesus calms to ensure the safety of the disciples, so that they, too, can rest, Jesus also has our circumstances under control. Walking a life with Christ does not mean the storms will never happen. But what we need to be able to do when a storm hits is to recognize that, even then especially then God is with us; for, if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). Look at the assurances provided for us. Carefully review and think about each one as it relates to your own circumstances: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39) Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord. And for this reason, we keep our eyes always on the Lord. With him at our right hand, we will not be shaken (Psalm 16:8). When we do that when we honestly try to keep our sights set on where it is God wants us to go, and where it is the Spirit is prompting us to be, then we, too, can sleep, rest, during the storms, unafraid, and certain that all is under control. And then we, too, can praise God for that!

Message in Music:
Whom Shall I Fear, by Chris Tomlin (full lyrics here) Whom shall I fear? I know who goes before me; I know who stands behind. The God of angel armies is always by my side. The one who reigns forever, He is a friend of mine. The God of angel armies is always by my side. And nothing formed against me shall stand. You hold the whole world in Your hands.
(Click on the picture to take you directly to the youtube link)

That's What Faith Can Do, by Kutless (full lyrics here) I've seen dreams that move the mountains, Hope that doesn't ever end, even when the sky is falling. I've seen miracles just happensilent prayers get answered, Broken hearts become brand new; that's what faith can do It doesn't matter what you've heard. Impossible is not a word. It's just a reason for someone not to try. Everybody's scared to death when they decide to take that step Out on the water. But it'll be alright. Life is so much more than what your eyes are seeing. You will find your way, if you keep believing.

(Click on the picture to take you directly to the youtube link)

Jesus, I am Resting, by Tricia Brock (full lyrics here) Jesus I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art. I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart. Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee and Thy beauty fills my soul; For by Thy transforming power thou hast made me whole. How great Thy loving kindness: vaster, broader than the sea! How marvelous Thy goodness lavished all on me. Yes I rest in Thee Beloved, know what wealth of grace is Thine, Know Thy certainty of promise and hath made it mine.
(Click on the picture to take you directly to the youtube link)

Be Still My Soul, by Ginny Owens (full lyrics here) Be still, my soul, the Lord is on your side. Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain. Leave to your God, to order and provide. In every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul, your best your heavenly friend, Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. Be still, my soul, your God will undertake To guide the future as he has the past. Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake. All now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul, the waves and winds still KNOW His voice who ruled them while he lived below. Be still, my soul, Be still, my soul, Be still. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoVkVDjb04A

(Click on the picture to take you directly to the youtube link)