What is the Truth?

1. I am struck by Mark 4.35-41: 

 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?”

1.  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!”

2. What is the situation or the circumstance you find yourself in? What storm is filling you with anxiety, fear, or despair? When we look at this account in Scripture, we can see and almost feel the disciples fear of perishing in the storm. Where is Christ? Right there with them! What is he doing? He is sleeping! So what was the truth of their situation? THE TRUTH was asleep in the back of the boat. He was at perfect peace, knowing that they would make it, and that His Father was in control of everything. He rebuked the waves and the wind, and displayed His glory to the disciples. 

How does this apply to you and to me? Well, when we are in the midst of a trial, we can cling to the bedrock of Truth that God is in control. Christ is not up there wringing His hands, as it were. He is there. With His perfect peace. With His awesome salvation. Through all the difficulties we face, God uses them to draw us in, to form our character, to reveal His heart. He uses them to draw us more deeply into His Word. He shows us His love through the Bible and through His people. Wow. 

Thinking of the great hymn It Is Well With My Soul has helped me have more clarity in this. We are told to give thanks in EVERY circumstance, and sometimes, quite frankly, that is just too hard to do. In those moments i have called out and said "Lord God, please show me something that i can give you thanks for in the midst of this difficulty." He is faithful to bring to my remembrance the gift of salvation i have through Christ Jesus. No matter what happens around me, i know that it is well with my soul.

If you are facing a challenge that seems to be too great for you, press in to Christ. Find a way to praise Him, even in the pain... This hymn is one of many that we can sing in the midst of great trials, because, if you are in Christ, the TRUTH is that it IS well with your soul, and that is always reason to rejoice. 

1. 
   
2. IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
3. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
   When sorrows like sea billows roll;
   Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
   It is well, it is well, with my soul.
   • Refrain:
     It is well, with my soul,
     It is well, it is well, with my soul.
4. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
   Let this blest assurance control,
   That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
   And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
5. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
   My sin, not in part but the whole,
   Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
   Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
6. For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
   If Jordan above me shall roll,
   No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
   Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
7. But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
   The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
   Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
   Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
8. And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
   The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
   The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
   Even so, it is well with my soul.
9. ~Horatio Spafford (STORY of this hymn here ...scroll down and the story is at the bottom )