Do Not Be Afraid

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going. The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the lake saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ John 6:16-27

Rough seas are no joke, even to the most seasoned sailors. I myself have been in a few close calls in small vessel trying to get back to the dock. Once, when I was pretty young, I remember bailing as the waves were crashing and sending gallons of water into our small boat. My father sat at the back by the outboard, coaching us and yelling commands so we could all get home. We were out on the open ocean trying to get back into the protected waters of the canal. Of course we made it safely back, and I can understand the fear of the disciples. That was not the last time I have experienced rough seas, mean streets and turbulent places. Jesus tells us to "not be afraid!" Easier said than done, yet we are called to remember he is with us in our darkest hours and most terrifying situations.

Tremendous Creator, who made the deep seas to roar

and the winds to howl, tearing down trees and houses

you promised to be our very home and our steady savior.

We are afraid in these turbulent and uncertain times

tearing into one another instead of pulling at the oars together

and as we capsize, we cry out for you to save us from ourselves.

Lord Jesus, help us to see you in our storms and terrors today

may we be fearless because you love us and you feed us always

strengthening us to serve those who are sinking in life's storms Amen.