Pastor’s Page

“Then Jesus got into the boat with them and the wind ceased.  And they were utterly astounded.” Mark 6:51

I’ve noticed a number of pictures and stories of families enjoying boating this summer.    Fishing and swimming and just trolling along is a beautiful way to spend a lazy summer day.  It brings a smile to my face to see youngsters holding up a prize fish, no matter what the size, eyes bright with pride thinking, “I caught it!”

In the verse from Mark quoted above, Jesus walks on the water in the midst of a wild storm.  I’ve been on lakes when the white caps made me shiver with fear, and I couldn’t wait to get to dry ground.  Suddenly, the water that seemed so friendly became anything but.

When Jesus gets in the boat with his disciples, the storm yields to calm and stillness. That reminds me of my own life when I find myself pressed and overwhelmed with too much to do.  Many times, I have reached the point of thinking the waves are high, the white caps rolling, and I’m afraid.

Interestingly, that is just the point when someone or something reminds me that I am never alone. It’s amazing what happens when I remember I have a loving God who steps into my boat.  This is a God who can calm my spirit even in the midst of my frustrations.

When I invite Jesus into my boat, the wild winds of my inner self become calmer.  My work goes better.  I lose my panic and anxiety.  I feel better about myself, and I recover a sense of peace. Let me remind you, Jesus is just waiting to step into your boat; in fact, he’s already there waiting for you to recognize his presence.  Welcome Jesus into your boat on sunny days and stormy days.  His calm is real.