Rough Seas

by Macy Johnson

“A strong wind was blowing

and the waters grew rough.”

(John 6:18 NIV)

 

I looked out my window one summer morning and watched the wind blow the trees to and fro in a frightening manner. The water on the lake bounced back and forth. Waves seemed to dance on top of each other. Overcast skies hinted at much-needed rain, but it was not in the forecast. What is God trying to tell me? I thought. Am I in for some rough spiritual weather?

 

When I assumed everything was running smoothly, the Holy Spirit tossed a monkey wrench into the works and flung all my musings into the air. “My thoughts are not your thoughts,” God reminded me. I dare not become complacent and let impending spiritual storms catch me off guard. Hurricane season reminds me to hold on to Jesus when my self-confidences are scattered.

 

The joy of writing had eluded me for a while, but God laid it back in my lap with a string of His thoughts. I am not a writer – my heavenly Father is. He gets all the credit.

 

I reached for my thermal coffee mug. The liquid inside had cooled before I could snap a lid on. Distractions set in to drag me away from what was important and necessary – my focus on God. I needed to accept life less like a list of tasks to be checked off and more like an adventure to be experienced. If I could do that, storms would be less intimidating and more inviting.

 

I looked up and watched the sun break through the clouds and the lake waters grow calm. I imagined Jesus walking on the lake to me. He is the true Author of Peace.

 

I will trust the Holy Spirit to calm the storms in my soul today. I hope you will, too!