Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" ~Mark 4:38-40
This past Saturday, I indulge in something I haven't felt the need to do in quite some time: Taking a nap after lunch. Life has simply been too crazy and demanding as of late, so quiet moments when I have no looming obligations to meet are few and far between. I'm settled in comfortably on the couch, dozing blissfully, when the unexpected happens.
>BOOM<!!! Thunder rudely jolts me to unwanted wakefulness. How has a peaceful, overcast afternoon morphed into a gully washer? Rain and even pea-sized hail drum against the windows and ping off the skylights. The wind, too, joins the percussion section, pounding our swept decks with all types of forest debris. Who (but Jesus) could possibly sleep through this?
I certainly can't, so reluctantly, I rouse myself up, my hopes for a longer nap dashed by nature's sudden show of force. The storm is short-lived, but the damage is done.
~
All of us will encounter storms at one point or another as we live out our days. These storms can be literal or metaphorical, but they can feel threatening to our feelings of safety and security all the same. It is in these times of trouble that I recall our former minister, Pastor Wallace's wise words: "Sometimes, Jesus tells me He will keep me out of the storm, and at other times, He says, 'This looks like a good one, Wallace. Let's ride this out together.'"
And that's precisely what Jesus is telling His disciples in Mark 4:38-40, and it's what He's still telling us today. We need not be afraid of the storms when we walk with Him. He will see us through them all when we place our faith and trust in His sure and saving grace.
Jesus is our anchor of stability and calm in times of chaos and confusion. May we all know the protective harbor of rest only our Lord and Savior can give to our weary souls.
Amen!
And the winner of Cheryl Smith's Homespun Devotions - Volume Three is Glynn Young, who blogs at Faith, Fiction, Friends. Congratulations, Glynn! Your autographed copy will arrive soon.
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Dear Martha, this is such a lovely and inspiring post. ❤️ Thank you 😊 so much for sharing and God bless you 🙏.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed this post, Linda.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Yes, for sure! But sorry about your nap!
ReplyDeleteI was, too, in the moment, Ginny, but at least I got a brief one in.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Thank you for this comforting and re-assuring post. I needed this today.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I'm so glad this post spoke to your heart, Victor. May we all turn to Jesus in troubled times and in good ones.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Hmmm taking a nap? Seriously? I envy you. :) While Sunday afternoons are a "slow" time for me, I now use it to prepare for the week, visit people in the hospital or any number of things. A couple of years ago on a Sunday afternoon a hail storm destroyed roofs (mine was one) and siding and some homes. I'm glad yours was quickly over. I have a picture someone gave me that I hung on the wall outside my office: "Focus on Me not the storm." it was a picture of Jesus reaching out. You are right in what you say about Jesus being our anchor and stability.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Bill, for your detailed comment here. I know! Who has time for a nap anyway? Maybe, God was trying to tell me something. We were fortunate that the hail was so small and intermittent, so we weren't in any real danger. It can be such a dangerous, damaging weather event, indeed. Glad you survived your ordeal!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
A great story Martha, life can be hectic at times and we all need to take a nap and recharge.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, we do, Bill. Life's storms can come up on us without warning, can't they? So glad you enjoyed the story.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
The year 2025 has been one of our own personal upheaval, and there's only one port in the storm.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that, Glynn, but rejoicing that you know our safe and secure Port in the Storm.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Very inspiring and congrats to the lucky winner!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Christine!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
“ Jesus is our anchor of stability and calm in times of chaos and confusion.” Amen. Thank you, Martha.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to know that particular phrase spoke to your heart, Diana. Thanks!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I so needed to hear this again! Congratulations to Glynn!
ReplyDeleteIt's always humbling to find out that what I write meets someone right where they are in the moment. Thanks, Myra, and yes, congrats to Glynn!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Oh Martha I really loved this post - such a good message. Seems since becoming a Christian 40 years ago, most of that time was spent in one storm after another. I learned, that He was always with me through them, teaching me and I came through them a better person. Experiencing the fullness of Christ is going through the storms and when each storm has past, we’re left with more character, integrity and strength for the next storm as well as a closer relationship with Him. Keeping our eyes on the One who has made everything possible at all times. Gosh I love Jesus. One certainly cannot describe all that He has done. Amazing God!
ReplyDeleteYou have certainly spoken the truth here, Debby - the more storms we sail through and come out on the other side safely. Sometimes, it's in those times of adversity that God will teach us His best lessons and enrich our spiritual walk with Him. His miracles never cease to amaze and astound me, too. He is worthy of all our praise.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Listen to God Story by Anne Wilson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lk_9IbmDQs&list=RD3lk_9IbmDQs&start_radio=1&ab_channel=AnneWilsonVEVO
DeleteSuch a fantastic song!
DeleteWe had that here Martha, so I know the exact storm you were thinking of. We did not get any rain though, we did get some hail, but no damage.
ReplyDeleteI do know what you mean though - we all go through storms - and it is wonderful to know Jesus cares and is with us - and that we have friends we can count on!
Absolutely, Sandie! When we trust and obey God and know that Jesus cares for us every step of the way, even the overwhelming storms can be overcome. He is, indeed, our loving Lord and Savior.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Wonderful post Martha...This speaks to my heart today...Yesterday, I really felt the pressure of the storms that we occasionally get in life. I even wrote a post that I originally intended to post today. After Sam and I took our drive to the farm and the beauty of nature settled into my heart, I realized that I was having a pity party. I came home and erased that post. Just as storm pass in weather, the storms in our lives do too.. God is always our shelter and strength through them. Thank you, thank you for this post..
ReplyDeleteSometimes I find that when those storms get going, it helps to write out our frustrations and disappointments, crying out to God for the help we know only He can give to us. It can be so cathartic and healing for us. I did so love your words today about the beauty of nature, the peacefulness of the drive Sam and you took together and the peace that filled your heart. We can find that harbor of rest when we are anchored in Jesus.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Amen!! I started humming .... when you walk through a storm, hold your head up high and don't be afraid... Amen!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Terri, that's such a beautiful song, and I'm glad this post inspired you to hum it to yourself (and the kitties, I'll bet). Jesus tells us time and time again to not be afraid, for He is with us. We need to remember that, especially when situations feel like they're spinning wildly out of control.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I loved this post, and those leaves and woodsy debris on the deck make a beautiful picture! Very colorful! And yes, I understand about the naps of life being interrupted by the storms. Thankfully, Jesus is always with us in the storms, so we never need to fear, but just rest in Him. However, I do know that those sudden storms can truly be unnerving...especially when we were at such comfortable peace. But never fear...God is always near!! Amen. Great post!!!
ReplyDeleteI know you most certainly understand, Pamela, as you've had more than your share of storms in your life. The older we get, the more we've gone through and learned from, so I guess it's true that we do get better with age - LOL! When we remember that God is always with us and that Jesus cares for us, we can run to Him and know He will shelter us in His loving, everlasting arms.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Thanks so much for this encouraging message, Martha. 💕 Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad this message spoke to your heart today, Trudy.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Well said, Martha. We all need to remember we are not alone in troubled times.
ReplyDeleteWhen we have Jesus in our lives, Bill, we are never alone when the storms come. What a comfort that is to know.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I'm so glad you sharedwhat your former pastor had to say about storms, Martha: "Sometimes, Jesus tells me He will keep me out of the storm, and at other times, He says, 'This looks like a good one, Wallace. Let's ride this out together.'" It's all about perspective, isn't it. Will we fear the storm, or see it as an adventure to experience with God at the helm? It is glorious to know he will ALWAYS see us through!
ReplyDeleteThat certainly was a profound statement that Pastor Wallace made years ago that has always stayed with me, Nancy, and I'm glad that it was meaningful to you, too. It is all about perspective, isn't it? Jesus is with us wherever we are and whatever may happen.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Mother Nature thought you didn't need a longer nap
ReplyDeleteThat could be right, Jo-Anne.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Hallelujah! So thankful Jesus is our anchor of stability during life's storms. This was an excellent analogy as usual and love how you connected the dots here. God bless, Martha!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad this analogy touched your heart, Karen. I'm thankful, too, that Jesus is with us through every storm.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
You are way too kind, Linda, and I so appreciate your words of encouragement and affirmation. Always!
ReplyDeleteGrace and blessings!
This was such an encouragement to me today! Thank you, dear friend! And thank you again for mentioning my book here and for all your support and encouragement and friendship all these years. We will be mailing Glynn's book on Friday, Lord willing. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear that this post encouraged you today, Cheryl, especially as you encourage so many through your own writing. I'm sure that Glynn and his wife will greatly enjoy your book!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
You always encourage me with your insights. Next Tueday, I will have my first cataract surgery. Two weeks later, I will have my second one. Then, after 4 weeks of doing drops and seeing the Dr. I will have new eyes and then find out the procedure to take care of the complications.
ReplyDeletePlease pray for me and my Jim.
Oh, Cecelia, both you and Jim have my prayers as do so many who love and care for you. And Jesus is right there with you in this time filled with both hope and waiting for a great outcome. Thanks so much for your kind words about this post being an inspiration.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I was on the bus when the rain started coming down on Saturday. It looked like a hurricane, but fortunately I was able to get off the bus and stand under an awning until it let up. Grateful for literal shelter in the storm.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Carol! Being grateful for everything in our lives, even the smallest ones, brings us closer to the joy God intends us to have.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Life is full of surprises, not always appreciated.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings
So true, Jim. We don't always appreciate the storms when they come, but in retrospect, they can teach us so much about God's faithfulness and where our hearts are.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Stumbled upon your blog today, very nice post for my day. I had a very unexpected day - compared to what was planned. I need to remember to hold onto those plans loosely so I am always ready to embrace God's will with the right attitude! I hope I am not the only one! Your post was very uplifting to my heart and I hope you have a beautiful nap another day! jen
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to know that my words struck a chord with you today, Anon. But I don't think it's an accident that you "stumbled" upon this blog. God has an uncanny and miraculous way of placing certain things in our paths that we don't even know we need at the moment, but which can assure us of His love and presence. Hope you'll be back!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Bom dia, Martha
ReplyDeleteAtravessar as tempestades da vida com Jesus faz toda diferença, Ele nos conduz com amor e perseverança, desejo tudo de bom na tua vida, és bênção do Senhor, reflexão muito edificante, um forte abraço.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind and encouraging words here today, Lucinalva! You are a blessing to me, too.
DeleteGrace and blesssings!
Looks like I'm last in your wonderfully extensive list, Martha, and I hope you won't cut me off because I'm so often late. But the "weather" around the Gallagher compound has been more stormy than usual for a while. I actually read your uplifting and encouraging piece the day you published it and got to enjoy it while sitting in a doctor's waiting room (nothing alarming--just more time waiting for Diane to be seen for one of those ongoing things they're "keeping an eye on"). But since I don't do all that well trying to respond to things like your post on the phone (fingers get argumentative about which key they're supposed to be hitting) I decided to put it off. But then waves of other intrusive and demanding things blew in and I couldn't seem to slow down long enough to get back to it.
ReplyDeleteBut the bottom line is that I loved the invitation to join you again in one of your personal and insightful moments. It reminded me that giving ourselves permission to take a nap once in a while is not a bad thing. God created our bodies with both the capacity for rest and the need to engage in it as needed. Sometimes pushing ourselves beyond that point where our bodies are telling us put things on hold for a while can actually be impeding progress instead of facilitating it.
The other thing I found encouraging, even inspiring, was the reminder of all the storms that the living and loving God we serve has brought Diane and me through. Looking at the debris on your deck took my mind to the some of the trash that those storms blew around, but all it did was clutter things up our lives for a while--it didn't destroy anything important. God always has a purpose in the storms, but it isn't always apparent when the wind is blowing and the lightning is flashing. More storms are heading our way, no doubt, and some may intrude on one of those delicious little naps we're enjoying, but the God who allows them will be with us throughout. Not only that, He'll help us clean up the clutter once the skies are clear again.
Amen, Ron! Those storms are unavoidable at times, but we certainly do need to remember that God is with us through it all when we hold fast to Him. We have both definitely lived long enough to know that life has never been a bed of roses, nor is it meant to be. The storms we encounter can often be those transforming moments that further form our characters more in the likeness of Jesus when all is said and done. And you are never, ever late visiting my blog. My fingers go into a frenzy, too, when I'm trying to text, and I'd much rather use my laptop, which I'm on right now. I don't even have my blogging address on my phone and that's a good thing.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
It looks like you had quite a storm come through! That's quite a jolt to wake up to something like that. It's been awhile since we've had a really good thunderstorm here. Starting to get really dry again....
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, Lisa, we are in that same dry spell as you all in Alabama. We may not always like the storms, but we can always appreciate God who sends His rain when we need it most.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
such a good example. I jumped reading it!! and great reminder too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words here today, Jean. May Jesus walk with us through every storm.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Thanks, Regine.
ReplyDeleteGrace and blessings!
Such a beautiful reminder. 🌿 Wishing you a good week—one day at a time, with Him holding us steady.
ReplyDeleteTaking it on day at a time with Jesus to guide us is the only way to go, Aritha.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Ah Martha - this is wonderful reminder of how God is always with us even in the midst of the storm. P.S. We would love a hard rain right now. So terribly dry here. Our storm is drought - praying for God's blessed gift of rain. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying right along with you, Debbie. May God send the refreshing, restorative rain you need so badly right now.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Thank you for sharing this. It's a great reminder that even when things feel chaotic, we can find peace.
ReplyDeleteYes, Melody, because of Jesus, we can all find the peace we need in troubled times.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Hello! I came here from another blog. I am so very thankful He is our anchor!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Chrissy, so am I! Eternally grateful.
DeleteGrace and blessings!