“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?’” Mark 4:37-38
Lord Jesus, “hurricane season” has a particular meaning for those of us who live in the southern part of the United States. But it’s not an exaggeration to say we’ve lived in “hurricane season” ever since sin and death entered the world. Some hurricanes happen in the environment; others in our hearts, culture, nation-to-nation affairs, and our everyday relationships.
Indeed, relational storms can feel like everything from a late afternoon popup storm to a category 5 hurricane. The impact can be minor to devastating. We can rebuild homes easier than our relationships. Have mercy on us, Jesus. Bring the power of the Gospel to bear in all of our relationships.
Thank you for being present in every storm we experience in life—even when we interpret your less than apparent engagement as indifference. Because of your life, death, and resurrection, we never have to ask, “Teacher, don’t you care?” No one cares about us more than you do, Jesus. You aren’t “merely” our teacher; you are our perfect Righteousness, reigning King, and returning Bridegroom.
You always give us what we need, even when it doesn’t line up with our specific ask, druthers, or timetable. We will never experience a Christ-absent, Father-less, or Spirit-void day. You never leave us and you’re always at work. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.
