Mark 4:35-40 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
This was the main text of a session that I recently attended at Spiritual Leadership Conference at Lancaster Baptist Church. The topic was surviving the storms of life, and, as usual, I was reading the notes ahead while I waited for the class to start. As I read this very familiar passage, something stood out to me that I had never seen before.
Jesus calmed the storm before He taught his disciples a lesson.
No kidding, huh?!
But I believe God was teaching me a little parenting lesson at that moment. As you can guess, with six young children in the house, there is no shortage of storms in our home. Someone hurt, something broken, etc. and the kids are frantic. I realized that far too often, I am trying to scold and/or teach while in the midst of the storm. And, big surprise, that’s when my volume level rises! Soon I’m nearly as frantic as the kids, and when everything finally does calm down, I have to repeat everything I just said because no one could focus before!
Maybe this is overly simple, but I’ve been trying to watch myself very carefully these past few weeks. And I’m making a point to be very quiet, soothing when necessary, until the storm has calmed. Then we can all focus on what needs to be said.
After all, God speaks to His children so often in that still, small voice. Why shouldn’t I strive to do the same?
I found you through the link-up. I just wanted to say that I never thought of this. But it makes perfect sense. Calm first, all the rest comes later. Thank you.
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