I Will Not Be Afraid
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace, be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39
ME: Jesus, sometimes I just feel afraid. Life gets whacky and I feel like I am in a terrible storm. I don’t know exactly what is bothering me, but I feel troubled.
JESUS: Many years ago in a real storm, My disciples felt the same way. They thought they were doomed but I saved them. Just think, in the middle of their storm, I told it to stop!
ME: But I don’t know why I have these fears and thoughts. I do know that I love to hear You saying, “Peace, be still!” to my anxious heart. Your Word assures me that no matter what happens, “You will not desert me or forsake me.”
JESUS: And I won’t! Just as I have promised since the beginning of time. I am your refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
ME: When I let these assurances soak into my mind and heart, it fills me with confident trust.
JESUS: Good, they were spoken for that purpose.
ME: The media relentlessly proclaims bad news: for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I’ve come to realize that a steady diet from their menu makes me sick.
JESUS: Why do you continue watching? Do you really believe that someday your world will fix itself? My precious child, it makes my heart sad as well. There is good news; I am the One who never changes. The news is fickle, but I am not!
ME: To be honest with You, when I let Your word saturate my mind and heart, I feel steadier.
JESUS: I have made it very clear; though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, you need not fear anything that happens around you.
ME: It’s hard not to think of what might happen today or tomorrow.
JESUS: Listen carefully to My Words: Yet I am always with you; I hold you by your right hand. I guide you with My counsel, and afterward I will take you into glory. Now, does that sound reasonable?
ME: Of course, but in the wet, muddy trenches of my day…
JESUS: Child of Mine, “Peace, be still!”
Mo Johnston with Sarah Young
Photo: Michael Johnston