Deeper Life #69

Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

—Mark 6:50

A SUDDEN STORM AROSE ON THE Sea of Galilee. Apparently, Jesus Christ permitted this crisis to enter the lives of His disciples. The uproar of nature threatened to overthrow their boat. They were isolated in the terror of a storm. Why would the Lord God permit such an astonishing set of circumstances?

Whatever the reasons for our trouble, we must not allow our souls to become so overwhelmed that we think we have committed some “unpardonable sin.” For out of all the terror comes the soothing voice of our Lord Himself, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.”

Too many disciples have faith in their faith, or in their joy in the Lord; and when a spiritual storm comes, they have neither faith nor joy. Only one thing can endure, and that is love for God. If such love is not there, we will not recognize the loving voice of God when He cries out to us that He is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. . . . Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:1, 10).

Prayer Thought: You are my God, and I seek strength and shelter in Your love and goodness.

SUGGESTED READING: Mark 6:45–50