Are you afraid of the bogeyman?
It all started when…
'When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. ' John 6:16-21
as a child, it’s not uncommon to be scared at night. it’s dark, you hear weird/strange noises, you may see something that really isn’t there (shadow on the wall), etc. like if you are at a sleepover, happen to watch a scary movie with your friends, told to go to sleep, and in the middle of the night you have to go to pee and are afraid to walk to the bathroom all by yourself. unfortunately you don’t have the comfort of your own home, parents or siblings to watch over you, a light that you keep on, the familiarity that you are used to.
in this passage, even grown ups can be frightened. well, i think anyone would be if they were on a boat in the middle of the pacific ocean, and at night, in the dark with only the moonlight, they see someone or something walking on water towards them. i won’t lie, i’d be crapping my pants because while it would be an awesome ‘trick’ to see during the day, at night you’d probably think it’s a ghost (spirit) and trip the heck out.
what saves them from freaking out completely is “The Voice” of the one who brings peace, joy, reassurance. it is only because they could recognize who was speaking to them that they were able to find that relief. isn’t it the same when you heard your mom, dad, grandparents, or whoever cared for and raised you in whatever difficult, terrifying, sad time, or whatever you were going through, saying to you that i’m here and it will be ok.
i still struggle to hear God/Jesus all the time. what i do know is that i experience reassurance and encouragement even when things are not going the way i had hoped. even during the most difficult of times (trials, terrifying), i’m still learning to feel His presence, listening for their voices; be it soft and still, or loud and clear.
thank you Father God for always having that open line of communication. that through prayer and trusting in your Son, Jesus, i/we can have that assurance that everything will be alright. teach me, my family, and those i love to hear your voice, and yours alone. to block out the ‘noise’ and listen actively when you speak. in Jesus’ mighty name i pray, amen!