As most of you are probably aware, I’m an Orthodox Christian, and icons play a large role in our faith tradition. At some point, I will probably write a post on the rich tradition of icons and how they can be valuable assets to our prayer lives and a manifestation of the spiritual realities that surround us.

But this is not that post. Instead, today, I just want to share with you an icon that is near and dear to my heart, especially this week as we prepare for my uncle’s funeral.

Over and over again, in the midst of heartache and anxiety and exhaustion, I find my eyes drawn to this icon. These are some of the meditations I’ve had during this past year as I stood before this icon with greater sorrow — and greater joy — than I had ever felt before.

This particular icon is from a Greek monastery in the early 16th century. If you’re interested, I purchased it here. It depicts two well-known stories from the Gospels: Christ rebuking the sea and casting out demons into the herd of pigs.

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care if we perish?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?”

Mark 4:35- 41

When I look at this icon, I am reminded that Christ is present even in the midst of my most turbulent passions and anxieties. I do not have to fear the waves: they obey Him, as do the demons. At the center is Christ. He is the eye of the storm; my stillness and my joy.

Christ is in this icon twice. He sleeps in the stern, eyes closed and hand tucked against His face. Mark tells us in his Gospel that after he rebuked the wind and waves there was a great calm: the same calm that is here reflected in Christ’s face. It reminds me that Christ is doubly present with me in the storms I face. He is my peaceful anchor, sleeping so that I too can sleep, despite the chaos. He is my refuge, safety, and protection.

Christ also stands in the center of the boat, hand raised in rebuke of the wind (personified by the figure at the top left). I am reminded of His absolute power against these things which threaten to destroy us. The demons flee before Him; the winds and waves obey Him.

The disciples also draw my attention. They are looking in different directions, pulling at ropes and adjusting sails. Some aren’t even facing Christ. They are trying to control the boat, to weather the storm themselves. At times, I see myself in that disciple with his back to Christ, frantically trying to control the boat. This icon reminds me to not cling to my own plans or ideas of the future, and to trust in Christ’s power over all that threatens us. His rebuke of the wind and the waves could also be a rebuke towards me: peace, be still.

If you are in the midst of storms and demons, I hope this icon brings you peace as it did to me. May you feel His presence with you twofold. May He be the calm in the center of the chaos, and may you turn your eyes towards Him.