Mark 6: 50b “But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.”

There is not much that calms fear like the voice and presence of someone we trust. The panic of the lost child turns to tears of relief when he sees his parent’s face and hears the familiar voice. The distressed patient gains courage when his familiar doctor arrives. And the child of God can face any storm if he knows Jesus rides in the boat. 

Twenty-seven years ago I found myself in a scary situation. I was eight-and-a-half months pregnant when I developed some concerning symptoms. After numerous tests the doctor ordered a Caesarean-section. On the morning of Nov. 18, 1993, a nurse strapped me to a gurney and left me completely alone in an empty hospital hallway for what seemed like eternity. I was terribly frightened as I waited for this surgery to bring my baby into the world and hopefully mitigate my alarming test results. 

But I clearly remember the sense of relief I felt when I heard my doctor’s voice floating down the hallway. He arrived and I knew that, somehow, all would be well. 

Jesus and His disciples had an exhausting day. Crowds had been following them constantly. And even after crossing the sea to a secluded spot, the people reappeared on the other side, clambering for more miracles. Finally, after feeding the five thousand-plus with only five loaves and two fish, Jesus sent His disciples out onto the lake again while He stayed to spend solitary time praying. 

he wind picked up very early in the morning, and as Jesus looked out into the lake He saw His disciples struggling to keep their boat on course. So He set out to come to them, walking on the water. The exhausted men screamed with terror because they supposed the apparition to be a ghost. Immediately Jesus spoke to them, “’Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.’ Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished.”

Is the wind whipping around you at this time in your life? Are you lost in a crowd, waiting for the results of a crucial medical test, or wondering how you will face the storm that is brewing on the horizon? There is no need to panic because you are not alone. If you look carefully through the mist and listen attentively for His voice you will hear the Savior’s comforting words, “Take courage, my child; it is I, do not be afraid!” Invite Jesus to ride in your boat. His loving and faithful presence will melt your fear into a peaceful calm.