Devotionals

In Our Boat

by Jennifer Woodley 
01/25/21
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“The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.” John 6:18 (NRSV)

Our lives are filled with unforeseen and unimaginable circumstances. Circumstances that make us feel like we are being tossed violently on a dark night in a little boat. How do we manoeuvre ourselves to safety? Where is our place of refuge?

The disciples didn’t go anywhere to find shelter from the storm, rather Jesus came to them. We make plans to find answers to our troubles and the strong winds that assail us, but Jesus waits ready for us to prayerfully invite Him into the boat. The scripture says, when the disciples saw Jesus, they ‘wanted to take him into the boat’ and with Jesus presence with them, they then ‘immediately reached the land toward which they were going’ (verse 21).

Our disturbing circumstances are changed when Jesus is with us. His power is revealed when we invite Him into our situation. And when He steps into our boat, there will be a calmness of spirit that no amount of searching elsewhere, can provide.

Do we currently sit in a boat tossed by strong prevailing winds? Do we find ourselves in a place of darkness, unknowing and deep concern? Our boat may be called ‘Fear’, ‘Disappointment’, ‘Anxiety’ or ‘Despair’, but when our dear Lord Jesus is welcomed into the boat with us, His loving presence can rename our little boat to that of ‘Courage’, ‘Joy’, ‘Peace’ or ‘Hope’. For Jesus is saying to us today, ‘It is I, do not be afraid.’

‘Father, you see my circumstances, how they are tossing me about. Lord be with me and fill me with peace, joy and hope today. Thank you.’