Coronavirus. Political Cannibalism. Tanking Markets. Toilet Paper Shortages. Attack Ads. Unending Negative News Cycles. We can all add to the list with our own stuff. We can all relate to feeling overwhelmed. Everyone has burdens and crosses. I find my job as Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission is often simply taking people to Jesus and leaving them with Him.
Maybe, for a moment, you could listen to the words of scripture and reflect on the Rembrandt picture of Jesus on the Sea of Galilee with his disciples as the storm comes. Perhaps God will speak to you. One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So, they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:22-25)
As you look at the picture, ask God, “Which face am I in the boat?” Are you one of the panicked faces trying to fix the situation yourself? Are you saying to Jesus, “Where are you? Why aren’t you helping us?” Maybe you are feeling seasick and your head is hanging over the side. Maybe you are just sick of what is going on. You are sick of the storms. Ask God, “Where am I in this story?”
Now think of Jesus in the story and picture. Calm. Unhurried. At peace. I wonder, what is the one word you would use to describe Jesus? One scholar said, “Relaxed!” No matter the storm or people pressing in on him from all sides … he was unhurried, at peace, living one day at a time with the Father’s help. He showed us what it means to live in the reality of the safety within the Kingdom of God. Receive His peace and presence today.
Governor’s Prayer Breakfast
The Governor’s Prayer Breakfast was inspiring and God honoring from start to finish. The keynote speaker, United States Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry Black, was exceptional. He gave me a good piece of advice before breakfast. He has found that most people can’t pray more than 90 seconds without starting to repeat themselves. The cure is to learn to pray the Scriptures. Barry lives it and models it. That advice is a keeper. The songs of music artist Charles Billingsley were magnificent. Several legislators read scripture and offered up prayers for our state. The full Crowne Plaza ballroom included seventy elected leaders. LSU Coach “O” brought a smile to everyone’s faces.
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.”
Psalm 133:1
Prayer Requests
- Our Louisiana Legislative Session started this week and will end on June 1. Forty-three of the 105 Representatives in the House and over half of the 39 in the Senate are new. Pray that I can build many new relationships with the legislators.
- Pray the church responds in faith and not fear to the Coronavirus. May this be our finest hour.
- Pray for a great opportunity to start a new Leader Faith Forum in St. Bernard Parish in April.
Pictures
Helping Louisiana’s Leaders,
Michael