Ever true to the teaching of the Psalms, Jesus had learned how to construct, develop and live from this kind of firm foundational faith in God, no matter what his circumstances. Watch Jesus in the passage below and ask yourself, "How is it possible for Jesus to be behaving like this?"
One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?" (Luke 8:22-25)
The Sea of Galilee is nearly 600 ft. below sea level and is surrounded by high mountains that rise thousands of feet into the air. When strong winds sweep into this deep valley, they often give rise to sudden, violent storms. This was one such storm, and it completely unnerved the disciples-they think they are about to perish. Jesus however, didn't think so. He didn't even notice the storm. In fact, he was sound asleep until his disciples woke him, pleading for help.
Remember, when this story began, Jesus and the disciples had set out to go across to the other side of the lake and all around them was quite calm. When Jesus was awakened by the disciples everything around him had changed drastically. The storm was violent, threatening and unrelenting-their circumstances had changed dramatically.
Jesus' response to the change in his circumstances was Psalm 62 in action. Though his circumstances had changed, his foundational faith in his God of refuge, trustworthiness, rock-solidness was not shaken. Upon awakening, he instinctively knew where he stood, on Who he always stood, whatever his circumstances were. Though the storm was raging around him-the storm was not in him. Foundational faith was in him. The Peace that passes all understanding was in him. That's why wherever Jesus is, the storms of life become calm. That's what he brings. That's what he does.
For Reflection:
What do you consider the foundational pieces of your spiritual life?
Which building blocks of faith feel solid in your heart? Which one has fallen out of place and needs your attention?
Where in your life do you need Jesus to speak a word of peace and calm? How might you ready your heart to receive that word of peace and calm?
