LBW 467, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”
Devotion
This wonderful hymn, which functions as a prayer, relates well to this week’s gospel text. It asks God to hear us when we call out to him in need. Verse 2 shows Jesus at rest within the storm. What a great model for us!
So often in our culture we are erroneously measured by how much we do and how busy we stay. But the gospels tell the story of Jesus’ life as an ebb and flow between work, rest and play. At times Jesus prayed in solitude; other times he joined friends at weddings or dinner parties.
If the Savior of the world took time away from the demands of his ministry to rest and play, ought we not allow ourselves the same? We are healthier people of God when we, like Jesus, take some time “in the back of the boat” to rest, pray, exercise and play.
Prayer
Holy God, never let us lose sight of your wisdom of building times of Sabbath and rest into our routines. Amen.