Resting in the storm

By Charles Christian

My sister-in-law gave me a small painting from the monks of Conception Abbey featuring Jesus asleep on a boat filled with anxious disciples in the middle of a storm.

The depiction is taken from a story in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus tells his disciples, most of whom are fishermen, to get in a boat with him and go to the other side of the large lake. A big storm arose and the waves broke over the boat so much so that water began to swamp the vessel (Mark 4:37). Jesus, however, was sleeping in the boat during all the commotion.

It is a strange situation. Close followers of Jesus, many of whom were experienced with this sort of storm at sea, were frantically dumping water out of the boat, only to look up and find Jesus — their leader — asleep.

So they woke Jesus, and asked, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38).

The response of Jesus was simply to wake up and speak to the waves: “Quiet! Be still!” After that, according to the Bible, the winds died down and became completely calm (Mark 3:39).

After rebuking the winds and waves, Jesus turns to the disciples and reminds them they have no need to fear. They should have faith in him and his love and care for them (see Mark 4:40).

At that moment, his words only puzzled them more. They responded, “Who is this that even the wind and waves obey him?” (Mark 4:41).

The reason I keep that little painting near me is that in the middle of busy times and especially during difficult times, I know we are not alone. I am not abandoned. When I am panicking, Jesus is calm. When I am feeling abandoned, Jesus reminds me that I can trust his love and care for me, even when I think he’s really not paying attention.

The story and the painting also remind me that we can find time to rest, even when things are hectic and difficult. That is the promise of faith.