2 Chronicles 22-23; 2 Kings 11; Psalm 131; Matthew 8

“Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid?You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:25&26 NLT

My pastor was speaking about rest this past Sunday. How timely, after reading these verses about Jesus sleeping during the storm. The disciples went to Jesus out of fear and not faith. They were in panic mode, instead of believing. How many times is this me? More often than I’d like to admit. In Matthew and in my everyday life, Jesus is teaching me to find rest in the storm. So that I can move forward from a refreshed soul who has been in His presence. And not let worry and fear dim my perspective. This is something that I have to give to Him daily. One place that I can get bogged down is seeking the approval of others. Sometimes my judgment can get clouded when I am not pursing him. I wonder if this is how Ahaziah’s mother fell into the trap of wrongly influencing her son.

“Ahaziah also followed the evil example of King Ahab’s family, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong. He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, just as Ahab’s family had done. They even became his advisers after the death of his father, and they led him to ruin.” 2 Chronicles 22:3&4 NLT

As a mother I pray for Godly influences in my children’s life. I desire for them to seek after Jesus with all their heart. I can imagine that Jehosphat was saddened by his grandson’s sin. I can picture him on his knees praying for his family. Burdened by their hardened hearts. It gives me hope of how one person’s faith can change a legacy and turn it around. Even though it didn’t happen to Jehosphat’s family, Ahaziah was still given a proper burial. He was respected because of who his grandfather was. It had nothing to do of his own ability. He had messed up and made poor chooses. But, grace was given.

“Then Jehu’s men searched for Ahaziah, and they found him hiding in the city of Samaria, They brought him to Jehu, who killed him. Ahaziah was given a decent burial because the people said, “He was the grandson of Jehosphat-a man who sought after the Lord with all his heart.” But none of the surviving members of Ahaziah’s family was capable of ruling the kingdom.” 2 Chronicles 22:9 NLT

Dear Father, I pray that I would find true peace in your presence. That I would take time to be still before you and listen to your voice about all others. Amen.

“Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord-now and always.” Psalm 131:1-3 NLT

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