Good Morning!
I hope you had a great weekend! I think it was one that draws people to SoCA. Warm days with bright sunshine, gentle breezes, and cool evenings. What’s not to love!
I remembered the story of Jesus sleeping in the boat during my reflective time as I considered the upcoming week. This week is Holy Week, and there are various activities and contemplative prayer opportunities throughout the next several days meant to add depth and understanding to the Christian faith. It’s the holiest week in the calendar year, as it is the ultimate expression of love and our faith.
I was experiencing a time of reflection on the events that Jesus endured. Then I wondered what it must have been like to be surrounded by people and yet be so alone. These thoughts led me to the story of Jesus asleep in the boat. When the winds and seas raged, He continued to sleep. Then, as the men with Him began to panic, He slept. He was wholly unfettered and, upon awakening, simply commanded the waters to cease. He wasn’t concerned about what was going on around Him. He was resting and at peace.
“When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. And the disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us, we are going to die!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was [at once] a great and wonderful calm [a perfect peacefulness]. The men wondered in amazement, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” Matthew 8:24-27 (AMP)
The story reminded me that, even though I may have no power over natural elements or the things swirling around me, I can always access perfect peace because I have a relationship with someone who can. I can’t really be weighed down unless by choice. That’s truly amazing!
We don’t lose our strength, compassion, temper, joy, hope, kindness, or anything else because of what surrounds us. However, we get sidetracked when we let those influences occupy space in our minds and let outside circumstances get inside. The things outside can weigh us down and cause us to lose our focus. When we refuse to let the external things get inside, we have balance and peace.
I can’t begin to imagine how Jesus felt as He traversed what we now call Holy Week. Was He calm and peaceful, like the time on the boat? Or was He troubled by the sudden turn of events from yesterday (Palm Sunday) to being threatened, falsely accused, tortured, and ultimately crucified. I believe what’s important to remember is that, although He was fully aware of what was coming, He chose to prevent the waters outside from seeping in and disrupting what He knew to be the ultimate act of love. He was resigned to completing the process He had chosen. He modeled perfect love and didn’t let the situation weigh Him down or dissuade Him from completing the mission.
I wonder how many of us choose to remain faithful and show grace and mercy as Jesus displayed. Who among us would be able to stay calm and steadfast in our purpose in the same situation. Would we be terrified and weighed down by the negative comments hurling our way? Or would we choose to remain strong amid adversity? Something to ponder during our observations this year.
As we experience the week’s events, let’s take time to ensure that what’s going on outside of us doesn’t find a way inside to cause conflict. Let’s refuse to be weighed down by things out of our control. I pray that your week overflows with blessings and peace and that you maintain a posture of gratitude for the ability to withstand rising waters!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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