Devotion Journal

And when evening was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on the land. And He saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And He went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. Mark 6:47-52

Worn out, aching, and getting nowhere. That could describe what these disciples experienced as they made there way across the sea that night. Then it happened as they saw Jesus coming that fear entered the scene. They cried out thinking they had seen a spirit. Mark goes on to describe how Jesus immediately began to talk with them. Jesus goes on to tell them not to be afraid. What a wonderful picture of what the Lord will do for you and I. When troubling and even perplexing days enter our lives Jesus comes right to us. On our own we really can’t make ourselves be of good cheer. When fear knocks on our heart and enters like a wind we cannot just make it go away. Yet that’s where the Lord comes in. He will enter into that dark and windy night with you. Jesus was right there in the darkness of the wind and waves with that weary group of men. Unlike the disciples though, He was not overtaken by it. He will meet you and I and give us that peace and encouragement we need in those difficult times.