Monday August 30, 2021

Today is Monday, August 30 and this week we are exploring the concept of restoration and how it applies to the people of God.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Come Holy Spirit, speak to my heart and my mind in the name of Jesus Christ. I quiet myself and strive to pay attention to your still small voice. God, open my ears and teach me how to hear. Help me listen and comprehend what you are saying in my life. Amen.

Today I hope to connect intimately with the God who loves me and knows my heart, soul and life. I celebrate the goodness of God captured in the words of Psalm 107.

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:29-30

Pause and Pray

Jesus has the power to bring peace and restore balance in every circumstance. One day after Jesus finished preaching to a large crowd the sun set and evening was upon them. Jesus told his disciples he wanted to cross to the other side of the lake. They left the crowd behind and began to cross the Sea of Galilee in a small boat. An unexpected storm suddenly came upon them.

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?” Mark 4:37-41

Just as the storm came up suddenly for the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, storms come up suddenly in life too. Sometimes I face unexpected challenges that cause anxiety and uncertainty. These squalls create chaos and frustration for me. The storms of life rob me of peace and threaten my well being. Like a ship rocked by the waves of the sea I can lose my sense of equilibrium. At these times I can feel alone, afraid and even overwhelmed.

Ask: What storms (big and small) am I facing in my life right now? Am I concerned a storm is brewing in the distance or am I currently in the center of it?

Pause and Pray

Loving Lord Jesus, there are circumstances in my life that feel like a storm. The waves are crashing over me and I feel swamped by circumstances I cannot control. I am worried and afraid for what the future holds. I confess that I often forget that I am not alone and you are “in the boat” with me. I reread the words of Mark again and seek your message for me today.

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?” Mark 4:37-41

Ask: What word or phrase strikes me when I read this passage? What might God be speaking to me as I ponder this word or phrase in my heart?

As I reflect on this passage of scripture, I listen for what God is revealing to me. If I imagine my life as a boat out on the water, where is Jesus in my circumstances? What is he doing and saying in my life? What images does the passage bring to mind? What word or phrase stands out to me the most? Does the image, word or phrase describe what is going on in a part of my life? What might God be trying to tell me?

Pause and Pray

God of Peace, today I name the places in my life where I long for balance and equilibrium to be restored. I ask Jesus to speak into the troubled places in my heart and mind words that will bring quiet and calm. I put my faith and trust in You alone. Amen.

You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. Psalm 89:9

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I ask for God’s peace to go with me and help me bring peace into the lives of others in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.