Night Appearances V: Entering Turbulence

“He made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds, [and] went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came,.. the boat was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them [and] the sea became rough. It was now dark. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’

“And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’  They were glad to take him into the boat, and when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” Matthew 14:22-33; John 6:17,18,21

They had just taken part in an amazing miracle, feeding over 5000 with only a few loaves and fish, and now Jesus sent them off in their boat. These fishermen were accustomed to the storms that came up quickly on the Sea of Galilee, but now? After such an eventful, exhilarating day? And why had He not come with them? Did He even care how tired they were, and alone? It was into this turbulence of thought and fear and exhaustion that Jesus appeared. When He approached their storm, He revealed Himself, invited heightened faith, then entered the boat and assuaged the storm by His very presence. (John 6:1-17)

We may think we have done everything right, tightened all loose ends, and performed quite well, thank you. It’s time for smooth sailing, and some well-deserved rest. And then everything falls apart. Winds of unease pick up, and hovering clouds pelt down their pain and doubt in stinging, soul-drenching rain. Really, Lord? After all I have done and overcome? After You reminded me of Your power my life loses control?

Our gracious, ever-loving Lord knows every swell of exasperation and fear engulfing our hearts, and comes to bring peace in the midst. He beckons us look up, step out of the boat where we feel trapped, and walk above the dark current to Him, with Him. He is Jehovah Shalom, our Peace, strong and very real and with us, bringing calm and peace to mind and heart beyond human understanding. (Judges 6:24; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; John 14:27; 16:33; Philippians 4:7)

What circumstances have disrupted our expectations and threaten our calm? Where are we mooring our peace to events and dreams rather than to our Sovereign? Would we recognize Him in the very night He has ordained, and trust His voice?

Lord of the storms, may I take heart in the truth that You are indeed Lord, and worship.