"Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land." Mark 6:47 (NIV)

When life gets messy, it can feel like our Messiah has gone missing.

That's exactly the kind of situation we find Jesus' disciples in as we read Mark 6. Right after Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 people, the 12 disciples got in a boat to travel to their next city. But strong winds caused the water to get very rough. The disciples were “straining at the oars” as the realities of life beat against them (Mark 6:48, NIV).

A deeper study of the Greek word basanizo (pronounced bas-an-id-zo) that is translated as “straining” in Mark 6:48 reveals just how distressing their circumstances were. Basanizo can also mean “to torment.” It’s a word we see used in the context of the torment caused by disease in Matthew 8:6 and demon possession in Mark 5:7. Mark clearly wanted to emphasize the serious turmoil and struggle these men were facing.

This storm was terrifying for them. The waves weren’t just cresting and crashing like you’ve probably seen if you’ve ever been in rough waters. These waves were exploding all around them in unpredictable ways. They couldn't brace themselves or their boat. They were completely helpless and swallowed up by fear.

I certainly can’t blame them for being afraid at that moment. Sometimes it’s hard not to be completely consumed by fear, isn’t it?

Oh, how thankful I am that even when our storms cause us to lose sight of hope, Jesus never loses sight of us.

While the disciples were in the boat straining, Jesus was on the mountainside praying. From where He was, Jesus saw the disciples in the middle of the lake. “Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them” (Mark 6:47-48a, NIV).

I want us to notice Jesus’ response to the disciples, who cried out in fear, not faith, when He walked toward them on the water. The Scripture says “immediately” He spoke to them and said, “Don't be afraid” (Mark 6:50, NIV). He didn’t criticize them for being afraid. He climbed into the boat with them.

He’s saying the same thing to you and me. He’s not running from us in our fears. He’s climbing in to be right there with us.

And with His presence comes peace. The same God who willingly revealed Himself to people in the Bible wants to reveal the fullness of His peace and the power of His presence to us as well.

In the midst of whatever hurts and heartbreaks you’re facing today, I pray you will see Him. Friend, the Lord is near. We are safe. We are loved. We are seen.

Lord, instead of being so terrified in the midst of what I don’t understand, help me keep this picture of You watching me and always being with me. May I find courage in the assurance that You will come to me with Your miraculous presence. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Does it ever feel like the fears you’re carrying in your mind seem to get louder at bedtime? Friend, even when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). You can say goodbye to sleepless nights and start experiencing the kind of rest God longs to give you — check out Lysa TerKeurst’s new devotional, Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: 50 Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry. Lysa and other writers from Proverbs 31 Ministries put together this devotional with 50 encouraging devotions, Scripture verses and guided prayers just for you. Preorder your copy today, and start reading the first five devotions right now!

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Genesis 16:13, “So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, ‘You are a God of seeing,’ for she said, ‘Truly here I have seen him who looks after me’” (ESV).

The phrase “a God of seeing” is a translation of the words El Roi in Hebrew. How can you be reminded that the Lord sees you today in a struggle, a fear or a circumstance?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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