god does not slumber (ps 121:4)
“Jesus was in the stern through it all, sound asleep on a cushion.” —Mark 4:38
We call upon Jesus to wake up, arise, and come to our aid. “Awake! Why are You asleep, O Lord? Arise!...Why do You hide Your face, forgetting our woe and our oppression?...Arise, help us! Redeem us for Your kindness’ sake” (Ps 44:24-27). But God never slumbers nor sleeps (Ps 121:4). He is our “Guardian” (Ps 121:5). He provides for us while we sleep (Ps 127:2), so why would He sleep when we need His protection? Thus, we are called to have confidence in God when it seems to us that He is absent or sleeping.
So many times Jesus sets an example for us (Jn 13:15; 1 Pt 2:21). Perhaps Jesus’ example to us in today’s Gospel passage is to be calm rather than terrified. Indeed, He asks us: “Why are you so terrified? Why are you lacking in faith?” (Mk 4:40)
If Jesus seems asleep, then rejoice that He is present in the boat; He “is with us” (Mt 1:23). He is at peace, and He says to us: “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19, 21). Jesus is gentle (Mt 11:29). The answer in our storms is to have faith in Him (Mk 4:40).
It is good to call upon God in our fear. It is even better to have faith. “Fear is useless; what is needed is trust” (Mk 5:36). Jesus is always present, Emmanuel, God-with-us (Mt 1:23; 28:20). If it seems God is hiding, remember that He hides for us, not from us. He is our Example to trust the Father in all storms. Come to Jesus and find rest in the storm (Mt 11:28).
Prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, help me never to surrender my confidence in You (Heb 10:35).
Promise: “Who can this be that the wind and sea obey Him?” —Mk 4:41
Praise: St. John Bosco never gave up on any of the young people with whom he met, but always saw an opportunity for God’s grace to be revealed to them.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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