Don’t Be Afraid

What rocks your boat? The darkest windy time of our life is usually what shakes us the most. It rocks us and makes us cower in fear. The disciples felt this fear when they were already out at sea in the darkness and the wind was blowing hard.

It is a terrifying moment to be out in the stormy sea. Imagine how fearful the disciples were when it was already dark and the wind was rocking their boat (John 6:16-19).

I believe that all of us pass through the phases of darkness and fear that rock the boat of our life. It is in these instances that we realize how frail, temporary, and insufficient we are. We need the strength and sustaining power of Someone higher than us. We need God in our life.

God’s presence is our greatest comfort. One of the most comforting words to hear from our loving God is the words Jesus said to the fearful disciples.

“When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat; and they were afraid.
But he said to them, ‘I AM. Don’t be afraid.’ “

– John 6:19-20 (WEB)

What a comfort! What an encouragement! Jesus says, “I am here, don’t be afraid.” He is saying that He is the God who protects, who saves, who provides our needs and He is ever-present in all our troubles.

It is the presence of Jesus that dispelled the fears of the disciples. They knew who Jesus is. In the same manner, when we know Jesus Christ, whatever darkness and winds that blow our way, we are comforted by knowing who He is. He is the light in the darkness. He is the God who calms the storm.

When darkness consumes you and the winds of life rock your boat, remember who Jesus is. He is the faithful God who knows your fears. He is with you. He says, “Don’t be afraid.”

“Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness… For I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Don’t be afraid; I will help you.“

– Isaiah 41:10, 13 (WEB)