It is a common saying that it says, “Do not be afraid” or “fear not” 366 times in the Bible. Once for each day of the year, including leap year. And although I have never actually counted, I have no reason to doubt this. The Lord made it very clear that we are to trust Him with our whole hearts and minds. I realize this may be easier said than done, sometimes.
Today’s Gospel reading touches on this very theme of fear and trust when the disciples are out at sea in a boat. A storm makes the conditions rough, and they see Jesus walking on water. They become afraid.
Darkness and Trials
The disciples were doing as they were told in crossing the water. It is interesting to note that the darkness and storm are symbolic of trials and bad times. Following God’s Will does not mean easy street. Quite the contrary. Following the Will of God means suffering, trials, hardship, and exclusion at times.
The other part of what Jesus said is extremely important to understand. He said, “It is I.” In the original Greek, “It is I” is ego eimi (“I AM”). He has full control of the situation and nature. He is WITH them.
His message is the same to us: when we welcome Him into our lives to govern and lead us, He is with us, and any situation is in His hands. It is when we separate ourselves from God and His Will that chaos ensues, and though some may think they are in control, they are not.
The disciples took Jesus in the boat, and it reads that they were immediately at shore. In other words, they trusted Him, and the situation became peaceful.
Perhaps the lesson is as simple as that: trust Him and allow peace to follow.
