The disciples lacked Jesus’ perspective on the storm that surrounded them. Luke 8:24 tells us:

And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”

The disciples are frantic. Verse 23 tells us that the boat was filling with water. Several of the disciples grew up fishing on this lake and know the capabilities of boats in such conditions. They are certain that they are going to drown.

In spite of all this, Jesus is sleeping in the boat.

The difference between Jesus and the disciples is perspective. Jesus knows they will not drown and is relaxed in that knowledge. He is in control and does not need to be stressed. He is calm enough to allow his body to rest.

I, limited by space and time, struggle to see God’s perspective. I sometimes think that my circumstances will overwhelm me and eat me alive.

I am learning that I can spend my time complaining to God about my circumstances, or I can accept them as part of God’s plan for me. The difference in perspective effects how I approach God and approach others.

If I am aware of God’s love for me and that there is never a situation where he is not in control, I can then approach life with confidence that God will show me the path for today. He promises to give me my daily bread. God is then my rock and my point of reference.

When I fail to maintain this perspective, I then become a man-pleaser and look to others to gauge how I am doing. I can then be overwhelmed by my problems because I find that neither I, nor the people around me, are capable of calming the storm.