the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Discovering Christ Day by Day
Today’s Reading: Mark 6
“It is I; be not afraid.
Mark 6:50
The Lord’s disciples were in the midst of a terrible storm, in the middle of a dark, dark night. They were toiling hard with trouble; but everything appeared to be contrary to them. In those circumstances, our all-glorious, ever-gracious Savior came to His troubled friends, walking upon the sea that caused them so much trouble. As He approached their little, storm tossed boat, He said, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” Then, “He went up unto them into the ship, and the wind ceased” (Mark 6:45-51).
This is written in the Book of God for you and me, “that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). When the Lord Jesus graciously steps into our storm-tossed lives, He causes the winds that appear to be so contrary to us today to be calm.
Sent into the Storm
Remember, it was the Lord Jesus who sent His friends into the storm, who sent them away from Himself (Mark 6:45-46). He seems to have done so specifically that He might come to them when they desperately needed Him, speak these words to them, and make Himself known to them in a way that was not otherwise possible. Surely, that is the case with us in all the storms into which He sends us. Listen, then, to the voice of our tender, omnipotent Savior in the midst of every storm.
“It is I”
“It is I” who raised the tempest in your soul, and will control it.
I make the clouds my chariot, and clothe myself with the tempest as with a garment. The night hour is My time of coming to you. The dark, surging waves and billows are the pavement upon which I walk. Take courage!
Divinely Ordered
Every trial, every affliction, every storm is Divinely ordered by our heavenly Father for our everlasting good. We need often to be reminded that, as Cowper put it…
“God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform.
He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.”
Deep, in unfathomable mines of never failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs, and works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and will break in blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace.
Behind the frowning providence He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour.
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower!”
He who loves us with an everlasting love sends every storm in love for our souls, not in anger. Be assured, it is “that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.”