Finding Rest During Chaos

Finding Rest During Chaos 

Think of a time when life felt completely chaotic. When all you wanted was to rest and disconnect from everything. Years ago, there was a commercial with the phrase, “Calgon, take me away!” In the ad, a woman is overwhelmed by life and finds her escape in a bubble bath. Of course, we know a bubble bath can only offer temporary relief. The moment you step out of the tub, the chaos is still waiting. 

Scripture gives us another picture of chaos. One far more intense than a hectic day. In Matthew 8:23–27, Jesus and His disciples are caught in a violent storm. The wind is raging, waves are crashing into the boat, and the disciples are terrified. Yet Jesus is… asleep. Right in the middle of the storm. 

Can you relate to that scene? Maybe you’re in a storm right now. Maybe your “boat” is rocking so violently that you’re not sure you’ll make it through. You’re calling out the same words the disciples cried: “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

And maybe, deep down, you’re wondering: Lord, do You see this? Do You feel how unstable this is? Why aren’t You doing anything? 

But Jesus wakes and asks a question: “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” 

What a powerful moment. Jesus wasn’t indifferent to their fear. He addressed it. He rested in the storm not because He didn’t care, but because He knew the storm wasn’t stronger than His authority. In the previous verses, the Jesus had served until the point of exhaustion, He slept not only because He was tired, but He was also secure in the power of God in chaos of a storm. 

The interesting thing is that the storm did not wake Jesus - their cry did! 

If you feel overwhelmed, remember: 
Jesus is not absent in your storm. 
He’s not unaware. 
He’s not powerless. 

Maybe He is asking you today, too: “Why are you afraid?” 

Cry out to Him. 
Trust that He hears. 
And know — the One who slept through the storm is the same One who commands it to be still. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to find rest in YOU during my storm. Help me to trust you when the circumstances seem bigger than you. I know Lord that you can calm the sea, and you can calm my heart when the waves of life come crashing in. I know you are right here with me.  

Reflective questions:  

• As a follower of Christ, do you find rest in the power of Lord Jesus in a chaotic moment? Why or why not? 

• How often do you rely on your own strength and might to get through a hard time rather than relying on the ONE who is sovereign over all?  

-The MissioCare Collective Team