He Keeps My Eyes Above the Waves

Rough morning for this one, but when tempers relax and tantrums release these are the sweetest moments. I think this is precisely what we look like when we finally stop fighting and surrender to the Lord's will.

It's a new kind of busy around here as we adjust to having another tiny one in our home. Mornings are lazy, errands are few, and there are many many hours spent playing indoors (kids -- since it's been pretty rainy in Iowa the last several weeks!) and sitting on the couch snuggling & nursing the littlest (mom). It's in this quiet busyness that I am able to reflect on God's goodness and offer my constant gratitude for the helping hands of our wonderful family! (Have I ever mentioned how great it is to have our families living so close to us? Seriously. I have no idea how people do life with little ones without help! God bless you if you do it. 1000x more if you do it well.)

However, in the last few weeks before our precious baby girl arrived, tensions were mounting in even the smallest persons in our household. I think everyone could sense things were about to change... Restlessness ensued, patience wore thin, tempers flared. But God is good. In the midst of tumult, He speaks peace. Calms stirring emotions. Quiets restless hearts. And it is when we look to Him, eyes longing; strain our ears to hear His still, small voice. Then we see Him -- His piercing fixed gaze carefully watching. We hear Him -- His whispers wash over us bringing the deepest peace we'll ever know.

Mark 4:35-41 tells of this same phenomenon in the lives of the twelve disciples. It is a familiar story to most of us, but read it again today as though you've never before seen the words. Let the Holy Spirit breathe fresh life into it. 
On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side.' Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Be encouraged today that in whatever storm you are facing, you are not alone (Deuteronomy 31:6). Though is seems God is not watching, He is (Psalm 121:5). His clear vision for you cannot be clouded (Jeremiah 29:10-14). His loving words of wisdom can cut through any clamoring noise (Hebrews 4:12). His presence brings peace where there is longing (Philippians 4:6-7).



"My soul will rest in Your embrace." -Oceans, Hillsong United