Through The Bible in a Year - June 19, 2026

"He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain... Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones... They came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man sitting there, clothed and in his right mind." - Mark 5:3-5, 15

The man from the tombs couldn't be controlled by anyone or anything. Chains snapped. Shackles broke. The strength of many men wasn't enough to subdue him. All attempts to impose order on his chaos failed.

So, he did what people do when the external world offers no control: he turned inward for control, abusing himself. He cut himself with stones. When everything around him was out of control, at least he could control pain. At least he could feel something in a world that had rejected him entirely.

Such emotions and practices still stir in our world today. People – especially young people – feel, "I'm totally out of control. Nobody cares about me. I have no control around me. Well, at least I can control pain. I can control something and feel something when the world has rejected me." Such perceptions are what drive the epidemics of cutting, eating disorders, and self-harm across our culture.

Jesus didn't confront an out-of-control life with more chains or stronger shackles. He came with something the chains never could provide: peace. Not imposed from the outside. Real peace, from within—because the One who stilled storms, also stilled the storm inside this demon-controlled man.

The apostle Paul wrote: "God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind." That is not a description of what Christians always feel. Yet, it is a description of what Jesus provides when our hearts are beating in resonance with His.

The man from the tombs was cutting himself because he had no other way to feel control. Jesus gave him something infinitely better: genuine peace. Real rest. A sound mind. Dignity restored.

Whatever chaos surrounds you—or lives inside you—Jesus came to enable you to serve Him without fear of being out of control. He offers not merely to suppress the storm, but to still it. Not merely to give you better chains, but to make chains unnecessary.

Respond: Where are you trying to impose control on your mental or spiritual storms through unhealthy means? Are you turning to habits or sins that hurt you because at least they're something you can manage?

If you're in a place of real pain right now—if self-harm is something you're struggling with—please reach out. You don't have to manage this alone. Jesus came for exactly this moment. He provides His love, His Spirit, and His church to help you find His peace.

Bring your specific chaos to Him this week. Not cleaned up. Not explained away. Just bring it: "Jesus, I have no control here, and I'm hurting. Still this storm. Bring the truths of your Word, the Spirit’s power and the church’s care to give me control so that I can rest in You."

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You came to a man who had been screaming and cutting himself among the tombs and You gave him peace. Real peace. I need that peace, too. Too often I try to control my urges, fears, and chaotic thoughts with habits and sins that can only hurt me. Help me confess that I can't chain down the storms in my heart and mind. I can't subdue them by my own strength. I'm not even sure I know how to ask for help. But I'm asking now. Come to where I am through your Word, Spirit, and people. Still this storm. Give me power, love, and a sound mind. In Your name, Amen.