The Gifts of Lent: Steadiness in the Storm
Passages (NIV): Psalm 46 and Matthew 4:1-11
Preacher: Mark Kingston
This week, we start our Lent journey together. We are preparing for Easter by following Jesus into the wilderness: the forty days of Lent match his forty days in the desert. It was a time of testing. A time when pressure revealed what was really inside him, and where he faced temptation and evil head on, and overcame it.
Lent is that kind of season for us. It is a time to slow down and ask God to show us what is going on in our hearts. Where do we run? What do we fear? What controls us? Here is the hopeful part: Lent is not just about exposing our weakness. It is about growing strength. Every hard bit of training comes with a precious gift, if we stay with it. This week’s gift is steadiness in the storm.
The Story: The Horse and the Mountain Trail
To help open this up, picture a horse walking along a narrow mountain path. A steep drop on one side. Rock wall on the other. If something sudden happens, like a loud noise or a snake, an untrained horse will panic and bolt. That is natural. But on a cliff edge, panic is dangerous.
So the trainer prepares the horse before the journey begins. He exposes it to loud sounds and sudden movement. At first the horse reacts and tries to bolt. But over time it learns to trust the rider more than its own fear. When the shock comes, it still feels the surge of panic. But it does not run. Instead, it stays still and turns its attention to the rider for guidance. On its own it cannot find the safe path. But if it listens and follows the rider’s lead, it will be led through safely.
So let's apply this by looking at Psalm 46.
The Reality
I think Psalm 46 is a Psalm for our times because it describes a world in chaos. Mountains falling into the sea. Waters roaring. Nations collapsing. It is a picture of life when everything that used to feel stable is starting to crumble.
Our Reaction
How do we respond when this happens? I think we can be like that untrained horse on a mountain trail. When threat rises or fear hits, we bolt. We scroll. We snap at people. We shut down. We overthink. We binge watch. We try to fix everything fast. We reach for anything that will numb our fear.
The Training
How does lent train us to respond differently? Let's look to Psalm 46 again for truth to root in.
It starts saying, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”. God is not far away. Not late. Ever-present.
It goes on: "The Lord Almighty is with us...Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging....the God of Jacob is our fortress". Storms will come...but fear doesn't have to rule the day.
Then this: “Be still, and know that I am God.” - That does not mean pretend nothing is wrong. It means stop running, stop numbing. Stop trying to control everything. Remember who is with you - he is bigger than the thing you fear. Knowing God in stillness changes you slowly.
The Gift
If you practice being still and knowing that He is God, steady peace will grow in you. When trouble looms, you'll still feel fear, but it doesn't have control over you like it once did. You learn to pause before reacting. You learn to pray before panicking. You learn to trust before you see the outcome. The storm may still rage outside. But inside you, something stronger is growing: a steadiness rooted in God's character, not your circumstances.
And that steadiness becomes a gift to others. In a world full of noise and panic, a steady person stands out. You become someone who brings calm instead of chaos. Someone who listens. Someone who does not spread fear. Your quiet trust helps others breathe.
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
The Shaking
What feels like it is shaking in your life right now?The Bolt
When fear rises, where do you tend to bolt?The Pause
What would it look like to pause instead of react?The Trust
How might God be inviting you to trust him before you see the outcome?The Support
Who could help you stay steady when you feel like running?
