Is it just me or does 2020 feel like it has been a prolonged storm that started early-mid March? The waves of life have us feeling like our boats are being tossed around and the motion sickness has definitely set in. I wish there was a Dramamine or an essential oil to help with motion sickness of life but unfortunately there is not. I do have some hope to offer though, and a light to show at the end of the tunnel so to speak.

Any time I feel like I’m in a storm I always like to reference back to stories in the Bible of people who went through storms. One of my favorite accounts is found in the book of Mark in chapter 6, verses 45-51.

(45) And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

(46) And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

(47) And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

(48) And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

(49) But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

(50) For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

(51) And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Such a common story but I like to ponder on the uncommon facts that are so easily overlooked.

Jesus “constrained His disciples to get into the ship.” They were simply doing what the Master had told them today. It was a normal request to start out in a boat — no big deal. Just like the starting of this year – no big deal; just starting out another new year.

After Jesus sent them on their way, “he departed into a mountain to pray.” A mountain — way up high; able to see far distances.

My favorite part of this story is this: “And He saw them toiling in rowing.” He was high up on that mountain with a great view of their whereabouts is what I like to think. He saw them! Toiling in rowing — stressful situation. 2020 = stressful situation, am I right?! We are working hard trying to fight this storm, trying to do our best to fight these waves that life is throwing at us, and we’re getting so exhausted and frustrated with the cares of life. Not to mention all the motion sickness that goes along with all the rocking and hard knocks. Jesus sees the toiling in rowing. He is still high and lifted up, just like on that mountain, and He is praying — He is our advocate with The Father. This fact alone should give us hope!

He cometh unto them. Jesus went to where they were. He didn’t just walk right up into the boat but He got himself close enough that He was in vision and His presence was known.

He would have passed them by. Jesus got close and waited on them to call out to Him. He simply made Himself easily available and accessible. He leaves the choice up to us on whether or not we are going to call out to Him. God will never push Himself upon someone but He will make His presence known and available. It’s our choice on what we do with the opportunity.

Jesus said, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” If Jesus could audibly speak to all of us in this boat of life and storm of 2020 I think this is probably something that He would say — Be not afraid.

Another place where Jesus said to be of good cheer is in John:

In Him is our peace. Yes, trials and hard times is what we are going through in this present world, but be of good cheer. Jesus Christ has overcome the world!

In this storm God is making His presence known. He IS still high and lifted up and seeing all. He has made Himself available, all we got to do is cry out to Him. He has already overcome the world and He is wanting to give us peace to overcome our fears. No, God does not simply fix things the way we ask or think they should be done, but He does give peace. We can feel this peace as we wonder in His presence and glory!

Be of good cheer friends. Christ is still sitting high on His throne (on a mountain) and He sees what we are fighting (the storm of 2020). He holds the antidote of peace to help calm the motion sickness that you may be experiencing. He may seem far away, but He is Omnipresent. Just cry out to Him and give Him the opportunity to speak peace in the storm.