âWho is this man?â they asked each other. âEven the wind and waves obey him!â Mark 4:41b
I was unbelievably restless. Leg bouncing, fingers fidgeting, and energy bumpinâ I felt exactly like I did in Jr. High School before the bell rang for summer break. Like a toddler souped up on too much sugar it was time to clock out of all things work and clock in to all things funâŠâŠexcept the clock was moving too painstakingly slow. I sat down at my desk in the office desperate for some relief from pent up anxietyâŠ..mostly of my own making and decided to put on a worship song. Thatâs when it happened. Like that very same toddler being lulled into a blissful sleep, everything in me was finally able to calm down, slow down and recalibrate.
If you’ve ever dealt with a toddler, you know, only Jesus has that kind of power.
As we’re heading into the new year, it’s really easy to want to change anything or everything. A fresh start is good for everyone, but starting new, and being made new are two very different things. My heart was recently drawn to the story of Jesus in the storm. (See Mark 4:35-41) The realization hit that we acknowledge Jesus as the Prince of Peace, but sometimes we have to be in the midst of a struggle, storm or mess of our own making to seek out our peace-giving Prince. With fresh eyes, it began to crystalize afresh our need for Jesus. Iâm not just speaking of the generic sense of âJesus take the wheelâ but in the very real sense of calling out for him in the chaos of winds and waves, because weâre about to go overboard.
Recalibration.
Slowing down and breathing.
Calming the storm.
Having Jesus calm you.
Or allowing Jesus to calm the storm in you.
Jesus didn’t take the disciples out of the storm. His followers looked to him, he faced the storm, and it yielded to his power.
Doesn’t matter what time of year it is, storms are a part of life. Whatever the cause: a freak act of nature, or a tempest brewing due to mischief of our own makingâŠâŠstorms happen. They rattle and shake us blowing pieces of life-debris in swirling tornados all over the place, often leaving us bewildered and disoriented in their wake.
Itâs not abnormal, but a fallout consequence of life in a broken world. That very fallout is our invitation to recalibration.
When we recalibrate we are not only drawn back to what is needed or necessary, we are drawn back to what is essential. (Spoiler alert: Time with Jesus is essential!) All of the drama, the extra, the fluff and unnecessary falls away. With greater clarity, it is easier to identify what is vitally important. What we learn is that it’s not how we are getting out of the storm, but being secure of the presence of Jesus in the middle of whatever life, or the year ahead holds.
Before you focus on a word, a goal, or a new plan that this time of year so often badgers and bludgeons us with, consider the offer that recalibration offers: it opens the door for intimacy with Jesus today and everyday. We canât figure out life on our own, and we canât manage it back into place. What we need is real change and real change comes because Jesus walks on the scene, and speaks. He commands the winds to be still regardless of the violent maelstrom threatening to take us under, and he makes all things new. Whatever storm you’re in, the answer is the same: Run to Jesus, his words alone hold the power to calm the storm, and calm us.
Much love,
Joy
PS….In case you’re looking for a devotional/ book that delves more into this topic check out my book “More of Jesus” you can buy it here on Amazon