Day 11 – Why are you so afraid?

Mark 4:35-41

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

---

Carol Macdonald writes:

This has to be my absolute favourite Bible story. I’ve imagined myself in it so often that it almost seems like a real memory.

Bedridden for many years and my health deteriorating, I had no idea what the future held or how I would cope. In search of peace, I regularly imagined my bed as the boat, tossed by the waves but with Jesus snuggled down next to me. If he was asleep, then I could sleep too. I was safe with him.

In the story, of course, Jesus calms the storm. That doesn’t always happen, at least not immediately. Even if the storm outside continues, however, he can calm the storm in our souls and bring stillness and peace in the safety of his presence.

Perhaps you could reflect on this and respond in worship as you watch this video and listen to the song