Take Heart

When evening came, the boat was out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the lake. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market-places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6:47-56

We have seen a good deal of storms this summer, some which have been devastating to life and communities. Some have cleared the skies and brought cooler weather and rainbows. It is hard not to lose heart when so much storm damage surrounds us. It is easy to become frustrated and defensive. Others, who are not affected by the storms and are far away, can judge the damage as failure and our fault for not being prepared. Jesus did neither. He saw his friends in trouble and got into their boat. He sees us in trouble and gets in our boat. May we, in the storms of life remember that we are being sought out, divine calm and safety are coming, and healing is coming even on strange and distant shores.

Wondrous Creator, the world you made is powerful

the seas and the winds show us your presence

the bird song and the night sky speak your name

and we are all made in your divine image.

 

Too often when the storms arise we seek to blame

we tremble with fear and we curse the skies

we forget to look for you in the midst of the winds

and we lose sight of home and all calm harbors.

Lord Jesus, help us to see you coming in our boat

restore our faith and restore our eyes to see only you

may we have the strength to use your love for others

and may we be those who save others from their storms. Amen.