Three years ago I wrote a Christmas post called The Most Emotional Time of the Year, detailing the excitement and JOY that come with Christmas as well as the sadness and grief that are often present. Reading that post just now, one full of thoughts culminating with anticipation for the Christmas Celebration to come, but also describing common longings of year-end, I’m struck with how intense our suffering is this season.
This morning, my daily Bible reading included the story of Jesus in the boat with his disciples. He was asleep. “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)
Please pray with me.
Dear Jesus, how blessed we are to know that you are in our boat. We thank you for caring about our situation and inviting us to bring our cares to you and to trust you. You came into this dark world as a helpless babe, in every way – human, entering lives, speaking truth, healing the sick, restoring bodies and minds. You grieved the death of your friends, brought people back from the dead, offered eternal life to all who would believe in You.
The waves are high right now, Lord. We feel swamped. Some feel like they’re drowning. We believe that nothing is too hard for you and that you are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We know that at your command, this plague will cease. We know you are compassionate and powerful, and we ask you to STILL the wind and waves of COVID.
So many people in our towns and around the world are grieving; please comfort them Holy Spirit. Give strength to the weary and hope to the hopeless. Our eyes are on you, Lord, for you are on the throne and all authority is yours in Heaven and on earth. Amen.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23
