Remember a few months ago when we were hearing lots of messages about settling into a new normal of working from home, no in-person school, no sports, and no toilet paper. The good news there is plenty of toilet paper now but the new normal has shifted to a new, new normal.

Now we have hybrid school and mutant virus strains. We still wear masks and use lots of hand
sanitizer but who knows when everyone will finally be vaccinated. A couple of things have not changed. First, all this pandemic stuff is still stressful. Second Jesus still offers peace that will overcome any stress we may be experiencing.

I have been thinking of Jesus’ words in John 14:27,

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

I must be honest I still get stressed and at times I worry and feel afraid, but this verse reminds me of the peace only Jesus can give. The world is offering lots of messages of peace right now but none of them carry the power that Jesus’ message carries.

In Mark 4:35-41, there is a story of when Jesus calmed the storm. A furious storm kicks up and as Jesus sleeps the disciples in terror wake him up saying, “Teacher don’t you care if we drown”; Jesus wakes up and speaks three words. Quiet! Be still! The storm died down and was completely calm.

“Quiet! Be still” was the only thing Jesus said to the disciples. After the wind and the waves calmed down Jesus asked the disciples a couple of questions. Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? I sometimes wonder if Jesus is asking me the same questions. Especially during those moments of stress and fear. Then I wonder am I like the disciples who after watching Jesus calm a storm with three words utter three words of their own, “Who is this?”

Could it be that in those moments of stress and fear we forget who Jesus is and we start saying things like Jesus don’t you care?
When I have those moments of stress and worry, I hear Jesus speaking those words to me. “Quiet. Be still”.

Hear those words and be reminded that God is in control. He is Lord overall including the wind, the waves, and mutant strains of viruses.

But don’t just be reminded that God is in control…rest in the knowledge that He is in control.