I heard a saying that said with Christ in the vessel you can smile at the storm.
Not taking away from what’s reassuring in the sentiment, there is something missing. When Jesus was on a boat in a storm, He didn’t expect His disciples to smile at it. He expected them to calm it. That’s what amazed His disciples when He got up from His kip to deal with the matter.
The rest of the world might get upset about the storm, but Jesus fully expects us to practise the sentiment that peacemakers can bring calm to stormy situations.
Bringing us neatly to the wisdom in Proverbs about how soft and soothing words work.
I am certain we are allowed to endure irritating and annoying circumstances and people so we can practise the power of the soft word. It would be far easier to react in our frustration. To.unleash a whole heap of the verbals so that there is no doubting how we feel.
It might be easier, but it can often prove to be counterproductive and more divisive. So like Jesus we speak peace to the noisy zone. We show calm in an irate situation. This demeanour can take the wind out of the sails of antagonism. It can neutralise a potential threat. It could even make friends from enemies.
What I find can be useful is praying as you control your breathing. In those prayers you tap into the God of peace. In those prayers you can access the wisdom and peace God has for you and calmly express yourself patiently replying. Difficult habit? Yes.
Worthwhile? Well it’s perhaps the real reason why you smile at the storm when Jesus is in the vessel.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 