Prayer Ministry

From the Prayer Corner:  Know that He is God!!

 

“Be still, and know that I am God.”  - Psalm 46:10

 

At no other time in history have humans had so much access to as much input as we do right now.  We can literally peer into hundreds of people’s lives every day, looking through the window panes of our phones and computers through Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok.  Not only that, but neighbors, coworkers, and family members can now contact us any time, day or night.  Plus, we have instant access to often frightening and awful news happening anywhere in the world.  Personally, it doesn’t take much for my carefully controlled reality to crack under the strain.  One series of disturbing news headlines, one child’s tantrum, one worrisome text message, one concerning health diagnosis, one upsetting phone call, or one burned pan for dinner, and . . . . . I’m drowning.  Can you relate?

 

I know I’m not the only one to experience this.  When the disciples of Jesus got caught in a wild storm on the sea of Galilee, they panicked.  But more than that, they were angry that their Master didn’t even seem to care!  He was asleep!  On a cushion!

 

“But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion.  So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?”  Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea.  “Silence!” He commanded.  “Be still!”  And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm.  “Why are you so timid and afraid?” He asked.  “Do you still have no faith?”  Overwhelmed with great awe and fearfulness, they asked one another, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”  Mark 4:38-41

 

Jesus was in control the whole time.  And even though we know Jesus is in control of our lives, we still panic when we experience chaos.  In order for us to find the calm in the storm, we must be still and sit with the Lord.  Much as He lay on a cushion in that boat, imagine laying your head on His chest.  Spend some time just talking with Him, sharing with Him your worries and concerns.  When you rest with and in Jesus, you acknowledge that He’s on guard.  Nothing can creep up on you when He’s on duty! When you turn over your troubles to Him in prayer, you recognize that He is sovereign, not just over us, but over every ounce of creation.

 

Prayer:  Lord, help me to recognize Your power. Help me to stop playing God, to stop trying to control everything, to stop worrying about the past, present, and future, to stop running to counterfeit shelters to save myself, and to stop looking for others to solve my problems for me.  Give me the willingness to sit and be still with You, and rest in Your love and faithfulness.  You are my fortress.  You are my refuge and strength, my very present help in trouble.  I have no more reasons to be afraid, because You are with me, and You will help me.  Thank You for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

(Portions taking from the article “When You Need Calm in Chaos by Aarti Sequeira)