The Great Calm of Jesus (Selah Part 1)
Scripture Focus: Luke 8:22–25 (ESV)
“One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, ‘Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?’”
Jesus Has a Plan—Even When the Storm Hits
From the beginning of the story, Jesus had a mission: “Let us go across to the other side.” But as they journeyed, a violent windstorm arose. What started as a clear direction turned into a moment of fear and uncertainty. Isn’t this often the story of our lives too? We set out with intention, but suddenly resistance hits.
The storm didn’t mean Jesus’ plan had failed. Instead, it became the setting where His authority would be revealed. In the face of danger, Jesus—who had been resting—stood up and rebuked the storm. And there was calm. His response wasn't panic, but peace. From His place of rest, He brought rest to the storm.
Rest as Authority
It’s worth noting: Jesus was asleep during the storm. What terrified the disciples was “nap time” for Him. He was completely at peace, secure in His identity and authority. From that inner rest, He stood and commanded calm over the chaos.
This story teaches us that when we live from a place of inner rest in Christ, we too can carry authority to speak peace into the atmosphere around us. The calm Jesus brought is described by the Greek word galēnē—used only three times in the New Testament, all within this story. It was a unique stillness, a holy quiet that cut through the chaos.
Following Jesus May Lead Straight Into the Storm
Matthew’s account (Matthew 8) places this storm right after Jesus spoke about the cost of discipleship. He warns His followers that the journey ahead won’t be easy. Yet even after they agree to follow Him, they find themselves in a storm.
Sometimes we think that following Jesus will shield us from hardship. But often, obedience leads us right into it. And like the disciples in Mark 4, we cry out, “Do you not care that we are perishing?” The storm exposes the questions hidden in our hearts. But Jesus doesn’t respond with anger. He simply asks, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
An Invitation Into the Calm
This story isn't just about weathering external storms. It's about learning to walk with Jesus into a lifestyle of rest. Our church community is stepping into a season of intentional stillness—a summer of Selah, a pause to reflect, remember, and rest.
We believe rest is not laziness or escapism. True rest in God is restoration. From rest flows the authority to calm storms—not just for ourselves but for those around us.
To help guide this journey, we’re using the acronym R.E.S.T.—Remember, Exalt, Surrender, Trust. These four rhythms lead us into God’s presence and help us live out our faith in a deeper, quieter strength.
The Gospel: The Foundation of Our Rest
Romans 5:1 (ESV) says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The truest rest begins here—with the gospel. We rest because Jesus finished the work. We don’t earn peace with God; we receive it by faith. The good news is that while all of us have fallen short (Romans 3:23), Jesus became the substitute for our unrighteousness. The wrath we deserved fell on Him. This is what theologians call propitiation—Jesus took our place, so we could walk free.
We don’t need to strive for righteousness. Through faith in Jesus, it’s given as a gift. And when we learn to rest in His righteousness, we find the calm our souls have been longing for.
Reflection Questions
What storms are currently raging around or within you, and how might Jesus be inviting you into His calm?
Take time to reflect on the gospel—what does it mean for you to be justified by faith and at peace with God?
As you consider the acronym R.E.S.T., which area—Remember, Exalt, Surrender, or Trust—do you most need to grow in right now?
Let this be a summer where we practice rest not as a luxury, but as a lifestyle. Jesus is in the boat. Let's trust Him to speak peace into every storm.