Power Over Waves

Contemplating Waves

As I watch large, powerful waves, I think of how they help me understand power. I also think about the importance of focus as I navigate the waves of life and, hopefully, mature in my faith while doing so.

I always arrive at the same place as I contemplate waves. The telling of Jesus calming the storm is found in three of the four gospels and confirms the Jesus’ power over not just the waves themselves but also over the wind that causes them.

“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 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 if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:35-41)

I love how Mark notes that Jesus slept on a cushion while the storm raged around him. Jesus wasn’t even worried about the storm.

Power Over Waves

Even those closest to Jesus – those who knew him better than anyone else on earth and who had experienced his miracle-working power – were afraid of the waves. Many of them were experienced sailors, too. In their fear, though, they still chose to refocus on Jesus, and that made all the difference.

Yes, waves are powerful. The waves in our lives can be immensely powerful.

As you navigate the waves of life, remember that focus determines reality. You can focus on the waves and where you are within them, including how you feel blown and tossed or maybe bloodied and drowning, or you can focus on the one who controls the wind and the waves. Remember, the steadiness of your faith depends on the focus of your faith.