When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water they were frightened. They thought He was a ghost.
Be of good cheer! It’s me; don’t be afraid.
Sometimes when I peep beyond the edges of my boat I’m spooked by what I think I see too. I see ill omens and evil portents. I see no way to save my vessel from being crushed upon the rocks. Nothing good seems possible as I hold on for dear life. My mind fixates on a lie- nothing good- nothing good- nothing good. Depressive thinking becomes depressive living. I sow doom and reap gloom. I expect the worst and receive the worst. I’m sinking my own boat.
Ha! What a silly way to live. Especially when Jesus Himself is nearby. His presence alone is cause for good cheer. When He’s around it’s not the outcome of a particular situation that cheers the believer, but it’s His holy, redeeming, embracing, loving and faithful presence ALONE that empowers us to laugh death in the face and pity the devil for his pathetic efforts to come between us and our ever-present and always-victorious Messiah.
For too long I’ve lived in the what not’s and have not’s. I’ve willed away the silver lining in every dark cloud that’s cast it’s shadow in my life. I refuse to live that way any longer. Is my life where or what I dreamed it would be? No. So what? As long as Jesus is with me I have a reason to be cheerful…hopeful. In fact, the sheer blessing of His companionship is ALL I need. If Jesus never did anything for me again and my present situation stayed the same I choose to believe it doesn’t matter. That’s because His friendship and presence are everything I need to make my life worth living. He makes me happy. Today!
For whatever you may be enduring this day I invite you to sense the presence of Jesus in your life. He is telling you…Be of good cheer, don’t be afraid, I’m right here with you. If you will allow yourself to believe that you just might find yourself smiling. His nearness is all around you…and it’s all you need…to be cheerful.
5 Comments
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment
Well said Craig! I especially like the part about it not being the outcome, but the presence. I’m going to have to “borrow” that (II’ll give you the credit – the first time – ha)
Another good post Craig. I’m smiling. Thanks for sharing.
Very very encouraging, Craig the funny thing is I just read this like two nights ago.
God Bless
Hey Craig,
I just hit the post button for my morning blog. Next I’m reading yours and we’ve written along the same lines. Ah….how fun.
You are a blessing. We need more willing to shine for those peering from the darkness.
Keep up the faith in Jesus. He never met an opportunity he didn’t like.
Terry
Hey Craig -
I shared some of these thoughts with a brother who was struggling a bit, and God used you to bless him as well. Keep writing!