“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

Psalm 121:1-3

We all need the reminder of God’s unfailing protection for His children when it feels like God has deserted us. When situations arise against us, and the going gets tough, these comforting words become sacred. When there is no food on the table, and we’re not sure where the next check is going to come from, or the beautiful relationship with our spouse, with all its promises, turn sour, we want to hear from God. We yearn for His voice when a child becomes a challenge, or the boss becomes a bully, and rising to go to work becomes tedious; when the cloud never seems to give way to the brightness and warmth of the sun and circumstances overwhelm us. We want to see the hand of God move mightily to bring us relief.

“Where are you, Lord?

Maybe, that is your cry this morning. You need deliverance from an oppressive situation, but you cannot hear from Him. If that is your situation, you are in good company today. The disciples felt the same way when they were caught in the squall on the lake with Jesus (Mk 4:35-41). Where was Jesus? (Mk. 4:38). I can imagine the anger of the disciples as they woke Him up. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (38b)

The cry of millions all over the world in prayer! Jesus was not asleep. He was aware of the storm, even before it came over them. He cared, and He cares for you.

Psalms one hundred and twenty-one affirms this truth. God never slumbers nor sleeps (4). He may seem asleep to us, but Jesus never sleeps because He is God. He is very aware of the situation of His people. He continually watches over us (5).

The disciples forgot that the winds and the waves have no authority over Jesus.  He created them, and a rebuke from Him will silence them.

“Quiet! Be still!” The winds died down, and it was completely calm (39).

 The truth we miss through our crucible is that it unites us with Jesus in His suffering. So, hear His soft rebuke this morning. “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (40).

May Jesus rebuke the ‘squalls’ in your life today, and may your faith be strengthened in Him. He who watches over you is not asleep!