Stress Out
“The disciples went and woke Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are going to drown!’ Jesus 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.”- Matthew 8:25-26
We have all felt like the disciples on the boat, who were white-knuckling and heart-melting their way through a major storm. Despite their nautical knowledge, mother nature throws them something bigger than they can handle, something that freaks them out, and something that is certain to lead to their demise. It seems that the “Stress Season” never winds down. These storms come in all sizes, from many directions, and multiple times within a year, month, week, and even a day.
As the disciples are gripped with fear and hopelessness, they cry out to Jesus for rescuing. Jesus rises…reassuring them of their welfare and rebuking the winds and the waves to a still, picture perfect evening. I love the “before and after” of this story because we see that not much from the narrative has changed, except the storm: The disciples are still in the boat; Jesus is still in the boat; and the boat is still in the water. The Savior of the World is the Stopper of the Storms surrounding, threatening, and drowning them!
There is no doubt that this was a level “10” stress moment for Jesus’ friends. What are the pressure points that cause you stress? A fast-approaching deadline; when your children are not under your care/supervision; when others are relying on you to make a decision; the welfare of someone you love; not having enough time, money, or friends. Stress can be an unrelenting killer. When the pressures and storms of life hit, stress side-effects soon follow: headaches, upset stomach, sleeplessness, perspiration, fidgety, irritability, high blood pressure, and even chest pain.
Jesus wants to take the STRESS OUT of our lives by speaking peace over our hearts and minds. In Philippians 4:6 calls us to approach our storms the same way Jesus did in that boat, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests before God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” My friend, and friend of Jesus, what you are facing that is difficult today? Your marriage/family, your workplace, your finances, even your body may not be changing much from your vantage point, but the Prince of Peace is abiding with and residing over those tidal waves crashing down and those dark clouds casting a shadow over your life. His peace is perfect and powerful to meet you right where you are. So let Jesus get all the stress out so we no longer stress out!