The Winds and Waves Still Know

Well, it’s only been a couple of days, but I have to say the message of the hymn "Be Still, My Soul" still grips me. I’m compelled to listen to it multiple times a day and if I try to sing along, I always end up staining my face with tears, unable to get the words out, especially when it comes to the part about the winds and waves still knowing His voice. It reminds me, obviously, of the biblical account of how terrified the disciples were, afraid they were going to drown, when “a furious squall came up.” However, Jesus rebuked it, and (it appears immediately) it was completely calm.

The circumstances of my tribulations are like the winds and waves of that raging sea, and I’m inclined to flail and wail, fearful of the storms that blow into my life. Yet, because of that powerful lyric written in the 17th century, a sense of calm comes over me when I imagine Jesus could just as easily be saying to me, “Why are you so afraid? Have faith… the winds and waves still know My voice, and they're required to obey Me.” In other words, “I got it. I’m on it. Settle down.” And I’m amazed at His omnipotence.

“Okay,” I tell myself, “Be still, my soul, the Lord is on your side and He faithful will remain.”


Jesus Calms the Storm

Mark 4:35-41

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 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?"
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!"