He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39
As you look through scripture, the word quiet is often used as a command or a rebuke. Case in point, Jesus calms the storm using that very word. While the power of the Lord’s command comes from its source, I do want us to think about His word choice.
A Global Mess
More and more I’m seeing news articles and hearing sermons about the quiet revival going on here in the UK. I’m sure many of you watched the incredible scenes at Asbury college in 2023. I’ve not seem similar reports here (yet), but I am watching this unfold before my eyes and it’s getting louder. I help lead a Bible study for trainee Army officers. Our numbers have more than tripled in a year. There’s an openness I’ve never seen. People, especially (but not exclusively) young men are curious about who Jesus is and what that means.
An Inner Mess
So, what does that have to do with us? Good question. A cursory glance at the news tells us this world is a mess. It’s been a mess since the Garden of Eden, but there’s trouble on a global scale. Turn your eyes to any continent, pick your fight. Our world needs to quiet down.
Next, stop and turn your eyes to your own life. We’ve all got an inner storm going on. Maybe it’s work, a relationship, health, or a problem in your wider family. What will your response be? When the disciples were terrified by the storm described in Mark 4 Jesus told the elements to be quiet and still.
In Matthew 14 we hear about more bad weather, but this time Jesus Walks on water and calls Peter to join him. And Peter is doing just fine while he keeps his eyes on Jesus. Then he remembers the water, takes back control and starts to sink. Only when he reaches for Jesus is he safe again.
Quiet Time
I don’t know what storm you have raging. Perhaps it’s a little squall or maybe it’s a maelstrom. Either way, let me encourage you to make some time, even a few minutes to go somewhere quiet, unburned your heart and listed to what God has to say. You won’t regret it. In fact, it may just lead to personal revival.
I’m a military wife and mom to two teenage girls (oh, Lord, have mercy). I write contemporary romance and have written a Bible study for military wives. I love to play guitar, read and ski, and I bleed green and gold (go Pack go). Swing by when I’ve been baking – the kettle is always on ready alert.
If you’d like a great book on writing I helped with, here’s the link...
And you can find more Word on Wednesdays here…