“Lord, be true to Your Covenant; forget not the life of Your poor ones forever.” (Ps. 74, 20)
Reflection
Several times in my life I have worried myself sick over some deadline - a report that was due, an inspection of my work, tough decisions about my future - only to wonder the next day why I was so upset and jittery. I got worried over nothing, and for what? It only robbed me of sleep and peace of mind, and didn’t ever really change the situation.
I think this must be how the disciples must have felt after Jesus calmed the storm. Of course they must have felt relieved, but probably a bit foolish, too! Jesus had chided them, "O you of little faith!" (Matthew 14:22-33) That had to be embarrassing! Now, to tell the truth, trusting in God is easier said than done. When the doctor tells us we might have a tumor, or the boss tells us our job may be terminated, there's reason for concern. But if we fall to pieces over the news, then there's something out of balance - namely, courage and confidence in God! Is God in charge, or is He not?
Look at Elijah. His whole challenge to the prophets of Baal (1Kings 18) took immense courage. Some would label it foolhardy. He told the King to set up two sacrifices, one to Baal, and one to the God of Israel. Then, he was to wait all day to see which deity would send down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifices. To make it more difficult, Elijah dumped water on his offering. What a risk he took! After all, what if God didn't go for that kind of challenge - to set on fire some soaked oblations sitting on top of some sodden wood!
Of course, God did meet the challenge. And Jezebel was furious, as Elijah knew she would be. As a result of his smashing success, Elijah put to death the four hundred false prophets, and then had to run for his life. Jezebel had put a contract out on his life! Several days and many miles later, he dropped to the ground exhausted. Elijah was so discouraged that he wanted to die! And what did God do? He whispered to him! (1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a) That’s all it took to calm him down. In effect, God said to him, "Elijah, don't sweat the small stuff."
Discouragement saps our strength and weakens us. And then, a word from a friend, a pat on the back, or eating something we like, energizes us in the twinkling of an eye, and suddenly we feel wonderful! People, prayer and especially God, can provide us with fast "soul food." The best soul food is the Eucharist.
God tells us over and over again. "Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will refresh you." When we have been strengthened by the Body and Blood of Jesus, we can take a fresh look at the problems we face. They often shrink into nothing. The next time we start to panic, we should let God know our fears right away.
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