My kids gave me a wonderful gift last Christmas in preparation for our new home. They had chosen some artwork for the wall and though I had to wait three months to hang their gift, I am delighted to see the two-piece art take pride of place in our lounge room.
For me, art tells a story or reminds me of a story. This may be why I keep two drawings my children did for me when in kindergarten. While they are embarrassed of their childish artwork, I remember the love they gave me in that moment and that’s why I keep their art on my wall.
These new art pieces also remind me of a story. The first shows a boat in a storm and it’s a simple line drawing of rudimentary construction. The word under the image is a bold and clear command; Peace. The second image shows the same boat on the calm water and signifies the result of the command; Be Still.
The inspiration of this art is the biblical account of the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus and His disciples were crossing the lake at night when a windstorm whipped the water into a frenzy, causing the boat to take on water. Jesus, asleep in the rear of the boat, was woken by his friends with the cry, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
Don’t we all feel like that when life swamps us to the point like we feel we are going to drown?
The Bible says, Jesus woke and rose in the boat, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.
“Peace! Be still!”
And so, my Christmas gift reminds me of the peace we can access when Jesus is present in our storm. If only we would give heed to His voice and see the calm that results.
As I sit in my chair in the dim light of the morning, I view this art with fondness. Yes, the warmth of the memory of the sentiment with which it was given is a blessing to me. But more than that, my kids know that I have come to depend on the voice of the One who commands the wind and waves.
There are many moments in my life when I thought I was going to drown under the pressure of life, the demands of others or the threat of destruction. And in each moment, I cry out to Jesus. Jesus is faithful to be actively present in my storm.
I wonder who you cry out to? Do you cry to the bank manager or your boss? Do you cry into your empty glass and wonder why the pain doesn’t stop? Even when you think you are alone, Jesus would want you to know He is very near to you.
Be sure of this; when you cry out to Jesus, He will help you find peace in your storm.
Article as featured in the Te Awamutu Courier 01 June 2023