Facing Our Fears With Jesus

"Today's Devotion" For July 1, 2005

Read: Matthew 8:23-29; Psalm 107

FACING OUR FEARS WITH JESUS

"You of little faith, why are so afraid?" (Mt. 8:26a)

Well, how topsy-turvy is your life? Based on what newspapers and television tell us, perhaps we should be worried. On Capitol Hill there seems to be "worry" that the war on terrorism and our stay in Iraq and Afghanistan will be much longer than expected. The price of petroleum keeps climbing, with no apparent end in sight, and everyone is "worried" about the price of gasoline. The economics of the world are changing, with countries like India and China emerging as major players, and consumers, in the world's marketplace. Many are "worried" that these nations are a threat to the economic security of the United States and the world. Just yesterday news came from the Far East that unless some things come together differently, an economic recession is about to hit the major players in that part of the world. With a world becoming "flatter" as Thomas Friedman, the New York Times columnist wrote recently, are we facing greater turmoil in the world, or less? What's happening to our sense of security? Is worrying and handwringing becoming the standard pattern of thought and living for us?

Certainly, as far as we human beings are concerned, the questions about "what's happening" in and to the world are myriad. Mayor Tom Barrett of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was just on television the other night lamenting the continued loss of life the city is experiencing through crime and gun-related violence. He called on the citizenry to do what it can to stop the violence. What are we to do? How are people going to live lives of peace and prosperity with such things happening to disrupt daily life? In a violent world, with violent things happening, death becomes an ever present fear and reality for people across the spectrum of life. Violence and hatred are no longer just confined to the poor and downtrodden among us. In a sense, doesn't it seem as if life has become something of a storm that no one has any control, nor any way of making a difference?

As I read the Scriptures, I'm always amazed at how "normal" things like violence, hatred, pain, and suffering are. They aren't sugar-coated, nor are they ignored. In fact, that there are trials and tribulation in the world is very much a part of the message of the Scriptures. God calls the cause of these things, Sin. It's a spiritual condition that puts people at odds with God and with one another. The whole of creation suffers. And, according to Scripture, there's nothing any human being can do about it. How that's for a worrisome situation? And, of course, there are the "obvious" follow up questions: "Where in the world is God while this is happening?" "Why does God allow such things to happen?"

Rather than allowing us to be "worried," however, God shows us examples of His power to overcome Sin for us. Perhaps a good example of God's power to overcome Sin comes in the storm the disciples were experiencing in our Gospel reading for today. Jesus is asleep in the boat while the violence of the storm is raging all around. While He's at peace, the disciples are fearful for their lives. They're being tossed and buffeted violently by the storm and, it seems, they're losing control of the situation. In despair and fear, born of the futility of the condition of Sin, they cry out to Jesus, "Lord save us! We are perishing!" And Jesus, awakened, calmly asks, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" With this question ringing in their ears, Jesus rebukes the wind and the sea, and, Matthew tells us, "there was a great calm" (Mt. 8:26).

Did you notice? Jesus rephrased the questions. No longer were the disciples facing the question of their mortality or their inability to handle the situation. No longer were the disciples facing the question of where God was in the situation in which they found themselves. Jesus asked them the more important question, a question of faith and trust in Him and the power of God in all of their lives and living, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" How about you? Are you afraid as you face the "storms" life has to offer? Do you find yourself crying out in despair over pain in your life? Are you worried about whether there will be enough money for the bills and food and rent or house payment? For some of us those are questions and worries. For others there are other challenges to our trust in God to provide for our every need. God's promise to us in Jesus Christ is that He is in control. Not even Sin and Satan, nor Death itself, have any power over those who are in Christ. Each day we have the power to live a life that fulfilled and at peace, regardless of the "storms" raging around us, because we belong to God and have been redeemed by Christ. So, perhaps, the question we might now ask ourselves is this: "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?"

Prayer: Father, everywhere I look I see Your hand at work in the world. Every time I look at my refrigerator I see the bounty of Your hand in my life. I look around me at the people in my life who love me and care about me, and I'm in awe of Your willingness to bless me with such people. Yet, Father, I find myself worrying about things that I should leave in Your hands. I find myself troubled and anxious about too many things, and not very trusting of Your promises to give me all I need for life and living. Forgive me and lift me up by the power of Your Word and Spirit so that I may put aside worry and fear, anxiety and a troubled spirit, and look to You with hope and faith, knowing You can calm the storm. Father, help me to hear Jesus' question, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" and take it to heart so that I might grow closer to You and be equipped to live for You as a witness to others. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.