In the film The Lion King (1994), there is a wonderful song called Hakuna Matata which in the East African Language of Swahili means no worries/no trouble. In this song we see how a Meerkat and a warthog named Timon and Pumbaa, taught Simba, the lion cub the Hakuna Matata which is a problem free philosophy and encouraged Simba not to worry and this lifted his spirit when he was feeling so down. It is indeed so uplifting to hear Hakuna Matata when we are feeling so down, especially when it comes from Jesus. The story in our gospel today, in a similar way, calls us not to worry since Jesus is our Saviour.
We live in turbulent times. From a global pandemic to political controversy, communal tensions, suicides, violence, wars, unemployment, corruption, hatred, etc. Storms are brewing and sweeping the world. In times like these, we find our emotions going from extreme highs to severe lows. It is as if we are being tossed around like a ship on a stormy sea with rain, thunder and the waves crashing all over.Many times, those experiences which we consider “storms” in our lives come in the form of trials, afflictions, problems, temptations and so forth. This storm can come out of nowhere and can leave us shocked, overwhelmed, angry, disappointed, heartbroken, and much more. Not only do the storms challenge our lives but our faith and how we cope with these “storms.” However, God wants us to know that no matter what difficulties we face in life, God can give us peace to help us in our time of need.
The primary message of this text is that God’s Kingdom require us to have faith. Jesus has taught his disciples about the importance of faith and now he put them to test their faith. As they were traveling across the sea, Jesus was so tired that He fell asleep in the boat. While He was sleeping, a big storm came up and threatened to sink the boat. We don’t know how long they were distressed, but we do know how quickly their worries changed to peace, the fear was changed to faith. It all happened in an instant. All Jesus had to do was speak the word, “Peace, be still. ”Instantly, at the voice of Jesus the winds and waves obeyed Him, and the storm was calmed.
So, the question lingers, where do we find faith amidst the storm? It is not easy to say Hakuna Matata when storms hit us. It is only natural to be fearful in situations which seem so out of control in our lives. However, Jesus attributed His disciples’ fear to their lack of faith when He said: Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith? Throughout His earthly ministry they had witnessed how Jesus performed miracles, Jesus’ healing power over sickness and demons, revealing Himself to be God’s promised Messiah and Savior. The challenge for the disciples and us is to trust Jesus who has the power over what is out of our control. We would agree that it’s easier to praise God in good times. But what about the bad times — when the storm comes and leaves hurt, despair, and vulnerable. Sometimes during sufferings, we question the existence of God and move away from God overwhelmed by the waves crashing around us. Sometimes we can’t get our head above water, and we dip down into a place that is not God-focused or even joyful and at peace anymore. But we have a choice as to how we will navigate through the storms of life. We can either choose to rise above and sail with God’s strength or we can choose to have little faith and sink into despair.
Though the disciples were seasoned fishermen, when the storm came that day, they felt so helpless, and their life was gripped with fear. If the disciples who fished for a living think they are bound to perish in the storm, I think that was one hell of a storm and which makes us even believe their judgment. Yes, one can question, how could the disciples who knew Jesus and followed Him in the flesh failed to trust and have faith? It just proves that any of us can experience fear, even when we are close to God. So, what is the fear that does not allow us to trust God during storms in life? It’s a great question to ask ourselves when we are feeling fearful? I would like to share some Scriptures which will help paint a picture of what happens when we have faith: 1 John 5:14 says, that part of being able to count on God is knowing that He is there whenever we need him. Our prayers will be heard. Psalm 56:3 says, that Fear is a normal part of life. But with God on our side, we can turn to Him in the darkest moments and know that He is there for us. Psalm 9: 9-10 says, God is the stronghold in times of trouble and God will not forsake those who seek him. These verses help kindle our faith in Christ.
Jesus can calm the storms of our life if we trust his saving power! Christ never promised us a life without its “storms.” It will be filled with struggles, problems and spiritual battles on all levels. However, Jesus is saying Hakuna Matata. He will guide us through. Jesus promised us hope which can only be experienced in relationship with Him and by coming to God. Putting our hope in Jesus is a choice, not a feeling. It is a decision of the will, not something dictated by our emotions. Putting our hope in Jesus is not dependent on our situations, but faith regardless of our circumstances. But it becomes a problem when we place our hope in anything or anyone other than God. Because anything or anyone other than God is subject to change. Our circumstances, life, and relationships are ever-changing. Only God remains unchanging forever. Why not put our hope in the unchanging, unfailing, ever-faithful God who loves us with an eternal love? Our expectations may fail us. Our desires may be misguided. Our emotions may betray us. But God is always faithful. When our focus is on God everything is alright, there is no worries. However, every single one of us is prone to walk by sight and not by faith. When we take our focus off of Jesus, we, too, begin to walk by sight and find ourselves in the same predicament that the disciples were in.
Often when storms come, we experience tension, and in our stress, we can easily and quickly point fingers and accuse others. In this passage we find how the disciples came to Jesuswho was asleep, they woke him up and asked Him a question. In their question we can sense the accusation that Jesus was not being compassionate or whether Jesus really cared for them. Jesus reminded that God never abandons His children. We might run from God. We might sin and go our own direction and, like the prodigal son, God may allow us space, but God never abandons those who belong to Him. The disciples were wrong to doubt Jesus. But, there is one thing that they did right. They did finally call upon Jesus. Yes, their tone was wrong. Yes, their emotions were misplaced. Yet, in their moment of desperation they did turn to the only One who could save them. Friends, the key to experiencing the power of God is still the same today. We need to call upon Jesus. Only Jesus can do that which seems impossible. Only Jesus can truly HEAL the hurting. Only Jesus can mend the hearts of those who are grieving. Only Jesus can give PEACE to those who are troubled. Only Jesus can give HOPE to the hopeless. Only Jesus can give JOY to those who are defeated. Only Jesus can give strength to those who are weak. Only Jesus can give SECURITY to those who are afraid. Only Jesus can truly change lives and save our souls. Only in Jesus, can we firmly and boldly say Hakuna Matata.
This is the impact of God’s wonderful grace in our life: Jesus showed His disciples that He was still in control of the situation! In fact, Jesus is so in control that He produces great calm for us by taking control of our sin of idolatry and providing for us complete forgiveness of that sin! By the power of the Spirit of God in us, given at our baptism and every day through His Word, we can trust in Jesus, recognizing His controlling power over all the “stormy” circumstances in life. When we do that, we will experience a peace which only God can give us. Let us not be shaken at the trials the worlds present us, but let us anchor in God’s grace, assurance in His Word and have faith Knowing God will take us through the storms and guide us safely till we reach the eternal shore of blessedness and bliss. Amen