Living in quietness is sometimes hard. There is a lot going on in our own lives, our little world. But there is a lot going on in the wider world around us. The war against Ukraine is now in its ninth month. We’ve seen tragedies across our country. Hurricane Ian. Family of politicians being senselessly beaten in their own homes. School shootings from Uvalde to St. Louis. That last one is getting closer to home. At the time of writing, the midterm elections haven’t happened yet. We know that will bring unrest for many of us. And then we deal with sleepless nights as we care for our beloved family. It’s not fun watching a small child be sick for four weeks.

Life can be a real storm. Evil and chaos swarming all around. We see what goes on around us. We face our own storms. What can we do about it? We can try to control the outcome of an election. We may be able to provide regulations to protect each other. And often we are left with a bunch of “If only” comments. If only I hadn’t taken that job to Florida, I wouldn’t have lost everything to Ian. If only I kept my kids home. If only. If only. If only.

These heartfelt cries, as real as they are, only show our frailty and in ability to affect any real lasting and meaningful change in our world. What can we do? Let the storm rage on.

Jesus is found sleeping in the boat that is being tossed about on the waves during a storm. In this narrative, Jesus demonstrates his authority over the wind and waves. He’s God after all. More than just showing of His divine strength is His invitation to find rest in Him. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).  “And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’” (Mark 6:31a).

There isn’t much we can do to control the storms in our lives. But there is Jesus. He’s the one who offers rest and a haven in which we can find shelter during these storms. The storms will eventually blow over, but until then, we can rest in the boat with Jesus.

And that is what Paul is encouraging the Thessalonian Christians. When the storms rage, “the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:3).

It is the Lord’s faithfulness, not ours, that will see us through these storms. May His faithfulness grant us calm and quietness.

Let’s pray: Jesus, shelter us as the storms of life rage around us. We, Your disciples, need to drop our futile efforts to control so You can demonstrate your power over these storms. Grant us peace, calm, and quiet lives looking to You with all confidence in Your faithfulness. Protect us from the evil one. Amen.