My God Alphabet—Q: Quieter
In case youhadn’t figured this out already —and I suspect you already have—life is a mixedbag of sunny days and stormy ones, summer breezes and winter gales, peacefultimes, and unsettling events. A sudden job loss, an unexpected phone call, atroubling doctor’s visit, or a disturbing news story can flip a calm day into afrenzy of anxiety and fear. On theother hand, a good word from a physician, employer, tax preparer (i.e.,refund!), or family member can soothe and relieve the worst thoughts that hadhaunted us moments before.
As I writethis, there is a threat of an exotic virus that has people on edge and even ina panic. This health scare is taking place at a time where jobs have beenplentiful, and our nation is experiencing relative peace and prosperity.Suddenly people across the globe are disquieted by fears about national andpersonal health, economies, financial markets, and more.
Yet, above andbeyond all this is the One—God— who quietly, infinitely stands sovereign andvictorious over any threat, disease, war, or uncertainty. God has the uncontested, final-say power toquiet any uproar in all of creation. With a word, God can quiet the uproars in the lives of his beloved ones:
“You [God] quieted the raging oceans withtheir pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations.” (Psalm 65:7)
At times Godspeaks directly to His enemies, silencing them when they stand against Him andhis beloved ones:
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” (Psalm 46:10)
There are manybiblical accounts of Jesus authoritatively quieting the accusers of people,corrupt religious authorities, raging storms, and even spiritual forces thatravaged men and women. With a word, they were silenced and vanquished.
Consider the story of Jesus’ calm and peace amid a life-threatening thunderstorm on the sea. His followers had to awaken him from a peaceful sleep as the seas tossed their boat and sent them into a panic. Jesus’ quiet calmness stood in stark contrast to the atmosphere—both physically and spiritually—that swirled around Him. With the power and authority that is in His nature as the Son of God, Jesus spoke to the storm to be quiet… and the seas obeyed and were stilled! More importantly, all who were with Jesus in that boat were also quieted.
But there’smore: There is a key to this story that gets overlooked. It’s this: Jesus’ disciples first had to getinto HIS boat—in other words, go where He was going. They didn’t decide to gosomewhere on their own and ask Jesus to tag along. Instead, they made a choiceto follow Jesus. At times that meantheading into stormy waters, go into dangerous or foreign territory. Jesusalways came through for them, and even today, He continues to prevail in the livesof all who know and love Him, promising to be with us always (see Matthew 28).Whether above, below, around, or through the storms of life, if we make Jesusour refuge—get in His boat—we are eternally safe as He quiets the storms oflife and hides us under His wings.
In times ofuncertainty or in times of calm, I invite you to come aboard the boat Jesus iscalling you to enter: a life-changing walk and relationship with Him. He canand will quiet the spiritual storms of your life and see you safely through allyour days to a bright and glorious eternity. He is the Quieter who will protectand defend His own, as the Scripture states:
“If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” (Psalm 91: 9-11)
God bless you!
Chris Atkins