My family used to go fishing on a lake in the mountains of Idaho. One day, coming back from such an excursion, a squall came up. Peaceful blue water turned grey. The waves were so high they looked higher than our boat. I remember how scared I was.
 
The disciples had experienced a long day. They had finished with feeding 5000. Now they were getting into the boat as night fell. Jesus had gone off by himself to pray so He was not with them. A storm came up and, row as they might, they weren’t going anywhere. Frustration and then fear started to set in.  Suddenly they saw someone coming to them, walking on the water. A ghost? (Mark 6:49)  Now they were really scared. Then they hear a familiar voice. “Don’t be afraid. I AM here.” Jesus got into the boat.  Immediately the storm was over and they were at their destination.
 
We are like the disciples. The storms of life surround us (and our boat). The waves keep getting higher and water is sloshing over the edge of the boat. No matter how much we bail the water just keeps coming in.  Questions arise: “Does God see what’s happening here? Does God care?” Fear sets in. Then we see Jesus coming towards us on the stormy, choppy water. “It’s okay. I AM here.” Jesus quickly climbs into our boat. The storm ends. The water is calm. Peace prevails because Jesus is in the boat with us.
 
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your peace and for being in the boat with us.  Amen. 
 

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20b