Suddenly, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
— Matthew 8:24-27 (NIV)
How many times have I encountered a similar scenario? The day has been smooth sailing, when all of a sudden something happens. Something that was not part of my plan, something that causes me some level of displeasure. I become angry, frustrated, or disappointed. And, often, very quickly. I’m on the verge of a “freak out” before I know what’s hit me.
Brene Brown, author of The Gifts of Imperfection, says, “Sometimes I actually think to myself, I’m dying to freak out here! Do I have enough information to freak out? Will freaking out help? The answer is always no.”
If I know in my head that freaking out won’t help, why is it that I react this way? Why do I go from calm to calamity in the blink of an eye?
On some level, I must think that all things should happen according to my plan, all the time. I must feel that I don’t have to experience trials or encounter other people’s issues.
Being totally transparent, I don’t want to deal with other people’s problems. I don’t want there to be obstacles in my day. I want everyone to like me and be on board with my plans, whatever they are. But, that isn’t reality, is it?
The key verse describes a calm boat ride that became very rocky, very quickly. The passengers on board became panicked. But, instead of becoming angry, frustrated, or attempting to solve the situation on their own, they immediately went to Jesus. They trusted His rescue. And we can do the same.
Calm to calamity, the transition in life can be just a few seconds. On the written page, it is the difference of just a few letters. The response is made with the many of the same letters: Call on The Mighty.
I don’t have to freak out, or become irritated and frustrated, I can trust in the one who answers my call.
Lord, please remind me where to turn when my calm feels like it is turning into a calamity. Show me how not to become angry when things aren’t going my way. Help me let go of my sense of entitlement to a stress-free life. And when things get rocky, help me focus on the one that calms the storms.