A Bible Reading: Matthew 14:22-24
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
A Thought
This event takes place just after the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 from a small boy’s packed lunch. Jesus has also been teaching this large crowd on the hillside and he is now tired and drained. He needs some time away to pray and to recharge his batteries, so he sends his disciples back across the lake in a boat and takes himself off onto the mountainside to pray.
How do we respond when we are physically, emotionally or spiritually drained? Do we crash out in front of the TV, do we have a glass of wine, do we just take ourselves off to bed? Could we first turn to God in prayer, gain his perspective on our day and allow his love to recharge our batteries?
While Jesus was praying, the disciples are crossing the lake a storm blows up and the disciples begin to fear that they are going to sink. Where is Jesus when you need him most?
There are times in our lives when things get difficult, we feel we are about to drown, and God can seem quite remote. Let us not lose faith at these times; Jesus is close by; he is aware of the situation and he is praying for us. In time he will appear, walking on the water, and he will calm the storm.
A Prayer
Father God help me to follow the example of your Son and turn to you first when I am tired and drained. Refresh my soul with the knowledge of your love and give me the faith to trust you through the storms of life, even when I cannot sense your presence.
Amen.
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