Jimbo's Jots

Naps are good! I didn’t like them when I was growing up. But long around the teen years, I began to value the rest most naps gave me.

I often find people I am counseling who struggle with anxiety have trouble resting their mind. They tell me that they can’t seem to get their mind to quiet and “sleep”, to be still. Sometimes, they tell me that it happens at night.

I’m always fascinated at the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41) for two reasons. The first of which is when the apostles are in the middle of the sea and the storm comes up, the instinct of getting to shore kicks in. After all, we know four of them were fishermen, experienced in the water. Where was Jesus? Sleeping! Taking a nap!!

Some people are able to sleep during storms. It doesn’t phase them! Some people don’t sleep because they love storms. They love the sound of the thunder and the rain. They find the sound of thunder comforting!

Here’s the other reason: Jesus says three words and all the chaos of the storm stops! “Quiet! Be Still!” (Mark 8:39) The wind dies down, the waves are calm, the rain stops and all is peace! But I’m wondering if Jesus said it more for the apostles than for the sea. I think he need them to be at peace instead of allowing the chaos of the storm rule over their thoughts and actions. The very next line Jesus says is, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 8:40)

So let me ask you . . . what seas of your life need to be calmed? Where does Jesus need to speak stillness in you? Because when Jesus speaks quiet in our lives, we will find rest. Our minds will be at peace. Our souls will find the rest that He promises. And when the storms come in our lives, we will be found sleeping because our minds and souls are at rest.

Be blessed in the storms and be a blessing to others as they experience theirs.