Proper consideration produces calm

The definition of the word "calm" is one not often applied to our lives. The reason for this is, according to our Scripture passage below, we rarely consider who Jesus is and what His relationship to us means. We fail to consider, or, look closely at the spiritual side of things; instead, we spend time considering our physical surroundings and situations, just as Peter did when, walking on the water, he took his attention off Jesus and "saw" the waves and danger around him. He lost the calm he had gained from looking at Jesus and suffered the consequences. (This passage is another Disciple's account of that same event, with a different emphasis.) We read: But when they saw him (Jesus) walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure (phrase means literally, out of their wits), and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened (literally, petrified). (Mark 6:49-52 (KJV)

These Disciples had what we would call an "information overload." Why? because they processed what they saw and experienced from a physical world viewpoint and thus failed to realize the spiritual truths right in front of them. These men had been battling the winds and waves of a harsh storm in the middle of the night. The word decribing the disciples as "toiling" literally means "tortured", or "tormented." They had, just a few hours earlier, witnessed Jesus feeding 15,000-20,000 or so people with one young boy's lunch, or, in other words, handling a physical realm problem with spiritual realm power. HE had tried to show them things are not as they appear to our physical sight. If they had really considered that, they would have been much calmer when this physical storm came upon them, for they would also have realized that Jesus is greater than any thing here below. Their hearts would have been calmed, instead of being petrified with fear and scared out of their wits.

Our own lives often experience the same torment because we are guilty of the same error (or sin, actually); we focus on and only "see" the physical problems and situations around us, while failing to consider God's spiritual work and power. We forget those times HE has revealed His mastery over the physical realm in miraculous (to us, not Him) ways. We can gain calmness in our lives only as we take Jesus' advice. As we consider (look closely) at Jesus and His powerful working in our lives, we will be reminded of His constant, though unseen, Presence and how HE so easily handles those seemingly impossible situations and circumstances we find ourselves in. Peace and calm will reign in us as we heed these Scriptures, which are echoed in the words of the song titled, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus":

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain

If you want to experience calm and peace in your life, turn your eyes away from the physical and focus on the spiritual truths found in the following Scripture passages:

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. (Deut 4:39 (KJV)

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. (1 Sam 12:24 (KJV)

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? (Psalms 8:3-4 (KJV)

That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it. (Isaiah 41:20 (KJV)

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Luke 12:27-28 (KJV)

As you heed Jesus' admonition to His fear-stricken Disciples, I am confident your proper consideration of Him will produce calm. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:2-3 (KJV)