Reflection:

What causes you fear and anxiety? Where in your life do you need courage? “Don’t be afraid” is a command that is often on Jesus’ lips, and it occurs more than 600 times in Scripture. When the disciples saw this figure walking towards them on the water, they were understandably petrified. Yet, this is Jesus, their teacher, their leader. More than this, he is God in the flesh, so there’s no reason to be afraid. Given the uncertainties and challenges we face, our fears and anxieties from a finite point of view seem reasonable. When we focus on our circumstances and our limited resources, we realise how powerless we are and how little control we have. However, when we appreciate the uniquely loving and powerful Lord Jesus and let him be our focus, our fears fall away. So, take courage because Jesus is nearby.

In what way are you tempted to become fixated on your own circumstances and forget that God is Lord of all things? Can you recall a time when your life was challenging but you were also solid in your appreciation of God’s sovereignty?

At the time of writing, Chaplain Andrew Thorburn was a Fleet Chaplain serving in HMAS Success. Andrew and the ship had been away from their home port for a large part of 2018.

Prayer:

Almighty God and loving heavenly Father, strengthen and encourage us in the life changing knowledge of the love and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. As we come to him replace our fears and anxieties with courage and confidence in your plan, purpose and power. In his name. Amen.