Fear Not, He is Here
Well now, friend, come on up this ol’ front porch like you’re like you are stepping into a country front yard where the porch swing is squeakin’ out a warm welcome and the smell of blackberry jam simmerin’ on the stove drifts out the window like it’s been huntin’ you down all morning. Goodness gracious, I’m mighty glad you made it by this way today. If you were any more welcome, the lil’ ol’ pig over there that plum waddles around like he’s the chief executive officer of the whole place would trot right over here and offer you his prized water puddle for some sun bathin’. So, come on and pull up a chair, friend, because we’re about to be wanderin’ right on into a truth sturdier than a big ol’ hay bale stacked tight for winter and brighter than sunlight glancin’ off a fresh water puddle after a summer shower.
Matthew 14:24–27 says, “But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves. For the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit. And they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer. It is I. Be not afraid.”
Those disciples were in a storm meaner than an ol’ bull that got loose in the garden. Waves tossin’, wind howlin’, boat rockin’ like a lil’ ol’ possum tryin’ to outrun an ol’ hound dog. They didn’t know if they’d make it through the night. And right in the middle of all that fear, Jesus came walkin’ on the water like it was a quiet country lane. He told them, “Be of good cheer.” Now that sounds almost impossible when your boat feels like it’s plum about to fold in half.
But Jesus gave ‘em two reasons they could be encouraged. First, He said, “It is I.” In the original text, He said, “I am.” That there’s the same name God used in the Old Testament. It’s like Jesus was saying, “Friend, do not worry. I have all power in heaven and earth. There’s not a storm I cannot still or a mountain I cannot move.”
Second, He said, “Now I am here.” Not only is He able, not only is He God in the flesh, but He is present. Right there. Right in the middle of the storm. And that downright changes everything.
The Lord deepens this here truth with another verse. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble. And he knoweth them that trust in him” (Nahum 1:7). God ain’t just powerful. He’s sho’-nuff’ present. He’s not just mighty. He is sho’-nuff’ mindful.
Jesus told His disciples again in John 16:33, “In the world ye shall have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” You’ll face storms, but you’ll never face ‘em alone.
Father, thank You for being present in every storm. Help me trust Your power and Your presence. Teach me to be of good cheer even before the waves settle. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright then, friend, may the Lord settle your spirit today with the steady calm of a big ol’ tortoise that knows exactly how to cross a field without hurryin’ one bit. Let His peace rest on you like the hush that falls over a pasture when the evening breeze finally decides to show up. And may His courage rise in you with the lively spark of a lil’ ol’ squirrel that just discovered a whole new stash of acorns. Wherever your day carries you, let His cheer brighten your heart like sunlight catchin’ the edge of a tin waterin’ can and turnin’ it into somethin’ downright hopeful. Go on now, friend, and be of good cheer.
With joy,
Gwen
