Joel Kontinen

Heavenly Peace in The Midst of a Tempest



Posted: Sunday, July 26, 2009

by Joel Kontinen
http://joelkontinen.blogspot.com/

  Our worldview determines what we think about ourselves and the world around us. For instance, Martin Heidegger (1889-1976), an influential German philosopher, thought that man was thrown into the world, not knowing where he had come from and not knowing where he is going.

 The Bible gives us an entirely different view of reality. We know who we are, where we came from and where we are going. One of the names of the Creator of the Universe is Immanuel, ‘God with us' (Matthew 1:23).

 When Jesus was about to leave this world, He told the disciples, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Earlier, He had promised that He would not leave them as orphans but would give them "another Helper" to be with them always, the Holy Spirit or "the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16).

 However, it often happens that we forget what Jesus promised. When storms arise – and they will – we might easily panic. This is natural since we are only humans. 

 At times the disciples doubted that their Master really was with them. Once, when they were crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat with Jesus, 

 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?"

 But He did care.

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 (Mark 4:35-40).

 When storms and tempests arise, let us not forget Jesus' promise: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

 Being a Christian is something to be excited about. It is reassuring to know that Jesus will never leave us to face storms alone. He has the authority to say the words that will calm them. And if for some reason He lets the tempest rage for a while longer, His presence will keep us safe.
Joel Kontinen is an author and translator currently living in Finland. His bacground includes an MA in translation studies and a BA in Bible and Theology. He mostly writes about origins issues.
 
Blog:. http://joelkontinen.blogspot.com/
 
Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/joelkontinen
 
 
 
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)
» left by Steve Kovacs
 2 years 281 days ago.
94 fans. Follow Steve Kovacs on twitter!
Well put article--nice job and thanks for offering it up.
» left by Joel Kontinen 2 years 280 days ago.
43 fans.
Thanks, Steve.
» left by Avis Ward
 2 years 280 days ago.
132 fans.
Joel, I'm in much agreement with Steve. An important message for all, thank you! At peace is a beautiful place to live. Blessings!
» left by Joel Kontinen 2 years 280 days ago.
43 fans.
Thanks, Avis, for your encouragement.
Blessings, Joel
» left by Swapna Nanda
from India 2 years 279 days ago.
Thank you Mr. Joel for this wonderful message, which every one needs to know. It is indeed true that being a Christian is something to be excited about. And that is what keeps us going in the midst of trials, sorrows and tempests around. You have done a great job in telling others about it. Keep writting sir.
 
Regards, Swapna
» left by Joel Kontinen 2 years 279 days ago.
43 fans.
Thanks, Mrs. Swapna. God bless you.
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