If you were asked the question

In Matthew 8:26 (NIV) Jesus rests with his friends in a fishing boat. When a storm crashes through. His friends panic and wake Him from His sleep. Jesus responds, “...You of little faith, why were you so afraid?” and calms the waves in an instant.

What if Jesus corrected you like that today? What lies beneath the heart of every offense, every risk not taken, every moment of confusion? Is it fear - fear of not making the right decision, fear of what someone may think, fear of what someone may say, fear of failure, fear of inconvenience or comfort, fear of rejection? Or is it simply the fear of not being in control?

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV says “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” What if we look at the choices we are facing, reflect on the choices we have already made, and picture Jesus in the flesh asking us, “Why were you so afraid?” Could we stand just a little taller? Move forward just a bit braver? Rest just a little easier if we remember Jesus controls the waves?

Meditation for today - He is with you in the boat.

Closer to The Heart of You

Lord,

When we glance out and all that is around us looks bare and empty, when the wind has caused our branches to break and fall, when the sun can not be met within the scope of what our eyes can see, and the air seems cold and silent, help us look closer. Closer to where we see the green of life deep beneath the bark, closer to see the breaks within the surface where new buds are forming, closer to hear the peace within the silence where your sovereign hand guides us, closer to the heart of You. Thank you Lord, that even in the silence, You never let us leave your grasp. I pray we always feel the comfort of Your arms, the warmth of Your embrace and the safety of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.