Man vs. Wild
Sermon Notes
As we wrap up our In Living Color series, we find ourselves on a boat with Jesus in the middle of a raging storm. In Matthew 8:23-27, the disciples' problem was not the storm or God's apparent passivity but their fear and lack of faith. Similarly, we can find peace and connection with Christ in chaos and challenges by trusting in God's power and working in their lives.
Our Problem Isn't the Storm. It's Our Fear.
The real problem lies in their fear and lack of faith, as well as their attachment to a sense of safety rather than trusting in God's presence with them.
When faced with chaos, individuals may respond by either panicking, seeking control through increased efforts, or resorting to various forms of self-medication like doom scrolling, alcohol, pornography, or excessive eating.
In that moment of chaos, the text offers a solution by emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's presence and letting go of fear and control.
Our Solution Isn't Safety. It's Our Connection to Christ.
The solution to our struggles is not finding safety but establishing a deep connection with Christ.
The key difference between chaos and calm is not our ability to control outcomes but our relationship with Jesus.
The disciples, like the speaker and Gwen, had made a faith decision to follow Jesus, but they had lost sight of His sustaining presence and viewed Him only as a savior rather than a sustainer.
Our Application Is To Find Our Calm in Christ.
Approach the tasks at hand with a sense of peace and trust in God's presence, power, and goodness, knowing that He is at work in both you and your circumstances.
Recognize that tranquility is not dependent on external quietness. Instead, establish healthy boundaries by distancing yourself from chaotic voices, inputs, and anxiety-driven individuals, including social media, podcasts, and news outlets.
Prioritize rest and sleep, following the example of Jesus in the story.
Discussion Questions
Have you experienced a time of challenge and chaos recently, either personally or through a loved one? How did you navigate that situation?
What does it mean to be calm in the midst of chaos? How can we maintain a state of peace even when our circumstances are turbulent?
The message emphasizes the importance of accepting that quiet is not a prerequisite for calm. How do you personally set healthy boundaries to prevent chaos from dictating your life?
Josh Wilhite mentions the significance of rest and sleep, which Jesus modeled in the passage. How do you prioritize rest in your own life? How does it contribute to maintaining a sense of calm?
The core idea presented is to spend time with Jesus and pray the Psalms. Have you found solace and guidance through prayer during chaotic times? How has it helped you to connect with God and find calmness in the storm?