Raging Seas

“And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.” ^ESV Luke 8:24

Ever had the “holiday blues?” Unfortunately, millions of people will be depressed or at least ‘blue’ this Christmas even though they are celebrating in one of the most blessed countries in the world. Some will be sad at the thought of celebrating without a loved one who has passed away. Some will be disappointed that their traditions have changed over time. Some will not be able deal with the financial pressures to give, give, give.

For those who are blue, a quick Internet search will yield you all kinds of advice on how to cope during dark, depressed seasons. Here’s some of the coping advice I found online: use humor; be realistic; stay healthy; reach out; delegate; spend time alone; let go. Some of these make practical sense but some of them absolutely left me scratching my head; especially the “spend time alone.” I’ve never known anyone feeling blue that benefited a great deal from aloneness.

Strangely absent in the advice I found quickly and easily was any dependence on God. That strikes me as odd at the very least and is somewhat indicative of how self absorbed our society really is. We are so confident in ourselves that we seldom take time to look to God. It’s as if God is like a fire extinguisher mounted on the wall that we should use only in dire emergencies. Why do you suppose that is? Why would we not call out to God as a first line of defense when dark clouds approach?

In the black of night the disciples once found themselves in great physical danger. A sudden storm had descended on the lake they were crossing and overtaken them. The winds and waves buffeted their boat and it was quickly filling with water; surely they would sink. No doubt gripped with fear, they woke Jesus shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” But instead of perishing in a sinking boat, our text tells us that Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves and calm prevailed.

Now think about this. The same Jesus that calmed the seas that night with a simple verbal rebuke can calm your spirit today. The same Master who saved the disciples from physical danger that night can rescue your spirits from darkness today.

I was reading a Puritan sermon by John Flavel this past week and came across this quote that I think is fitting to share here. Speaking of Jesus, Flavel says: “He that saith to the raging sea, be still, and it obeys him; he can only pacify the disquieted spirit.”

If you find yourself feeling blue this Christmas season, call upon the Master that calms the raging seas.