Being Stable in an Unstable World

With all of the uncertainty going on around us,  how do we resist the current mindset of worry and fear in the world?   How can we be stable in an unstable situation?

Let’s look at how Jesus handled chaos in Matthew 8:23-27 when He was on a boat with the disciples and a sudden furious storm arose.  The disciples panicked when the waves started to topple into the boat, while Jesus remained asleep, unfazed by the storm around Him.  He had peace during the storm, unlike the disciples who went into a panic.  They woke Jesus up and begged Him to save them, only for Jesus to ask them why they were so afraid and had little faith.  Jesus proceeded to take charge of the situation by rebuking the winds and the waves, and then a complete calm came around them.  The disciples marveled that even the wind and the waves obeyed Jesus.

Jesus wasn’t influenced by His environment.  He stayed steady and in peace during chaos.  How do we do the same? Jesus knew His authority and used it, and He gave us His authority to use also!  Luke 10:19a says” Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions… ”  Because of our redemption in Christ, we have His authority.  We just have to intentionally use it.

When we know who we are in Christ, we don’t let situations or other people’s emotions define or influence our situations.  We draw our identity and strength from Him, as a branch does from a vine. John 15 has a great illustration of this.  Also Philippians 4:6-9 has great advice on how not to be anxious and have peace.

Taking our authority during a storm and setting our mind on Him and His Word will help us to remain steady and strong when the waves of life hit us.  We CAN BE stable in an unstable world!