Daily Devotional

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Mark 4:39-41

This passage tells of a very interesting situation from the Gospel. Jesus was in a boat with his disciples, crossing the Sea of Galilee to the other shore. Other boats were following him. Jesus must have been tired because he lay down and slept right there in the bow. All of a sudden, a huge storm began, with strong winds and huge waves threatening to swamp the boat they were in, and no doubt the other boats too.

The disciples were desperate! Although many were fishermen and were experts in handling boats in challenging situations, this particular storm was beyond their ability. They feared the worst would happen... In their distress, they might have thought: How can he sleep through this torment? Jesus has power over all things, including the things his friends feared. They cried out to the Master who calmed the storm, and it became calm.

Jesus chose this moment to rebuke his disciples; they had seen him perform so many miracles, including turning water into wine (John 2) and healing a paralyzed man (Mark 2), and yet they still doubted him. In every situation they had seen, Jesus showed that God was in control, and so Jesus wanted his disciples to have faith in him... and he continues to ask his believers today to show the same faith in him.

Trust in Jesus

• Believe that Jesus is all-powerful! His power surpasses the power of nature and all the powers of this world.
• Give control of your life to the Lord Jesus. He is the only one who can take care of you and give you eternal security!
• Don't be afraid of adverse circumstances if Jesus is in control of your life.
• In the storms of life, seek Jesus, knowing that the boat will not sink if he is there!
• Cry out to God who has dominion and power over everything in the universe? He will bring peace to your heart.
• Share the Gospel of the grace of Jesus Christ with others. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Pray:

Lord God, thank you for teaching me to trust in you. Your strength can contain nothing and your power can be compared to nothing. Why am I still sometimes afraid of circumstances? You are with me, always... Help me to believe in you! I will cry out to you for help when all seems lost and my heart is troubled. Calm the storm, Lord! Help me to see Your serenity and trust that You are in control of all things. In Jesus' name, amen!

“Am I only a God nearby,”
declares the Lord,
“and not a God far away?
Jeremiah 23:23

The popular saying, 'out of sight, out of mind', may explain why many people are wary of long-distance relationships. Unfortunately, many people behave in one way when they are close and another way when they are far away. The truth is that proximity to others is a determining factor in many people's behaviors and feelings.

For example, some children act badly when they are away from their parents (guardians), employees "take advantage" when their bosses are away, or spouses are unfaithful if their partner is not around. This was also the case with the Israelites in the desert when they complained to Aaron that they couldn't see God, nor Moses who was on the mountain receiving the Law from the Lord. They sinned, were unfaithful to the Lord, and built a golden calf (Ex.32) because they thought God was far away...

A Christian's life shouldn't be like that. Especially their communion with the Lord. He is the God near and far. Our relationship with Christ is based on love and trust, not on sight. Although we can't see or touch him, by faith we walk in his company, keeping the Lord in our hearts. He loved us first, so we love him too...

God is never far away, He is omnipresent and omniscient, He fills both heaven and earth. His presence is everywhere. The verse here is a reminder of the all-encompassing nature of God's existence and knowledge. The passage goes on to say that not only is he 'near and far', but that no one can hide from Him, and He is intimately involved with all aspects of creation.

Out of Sight, in my Heart

• What matters more in your life: being upright and honest (near and far) or being deceitful and unfaithful?
• Pray and recognize that God is near, even if you are far from him.
• Read the Bible and seek to obey it, doing everything for God's glory.
• Keep firm in your faith and love for God, even when you feel He is far away or silent.

Pray:

Lord, forgive me! Help me to be faithful and true to my neighbor and to you. May sincerity and truth guide my conduct, even when no one is around. You are God near and far! Help me not to turn away from you, today and always. In Jesus' name, amen!