5th March. 2022. Daily Devotion.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

In Matthew’s telling of the story of Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:22-36), we get a wrinkle that we do not get in Mark (Mark 6:45-52). Peter, seeing Christ, asked if he could approach Christ on the water. “Come,” Jesus replied. It was a simple response, easy to obey if Peter believed.

Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink. Having no natural resources, he immediately cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” And Jesus immediately caught him while uttering a gentle rebuke, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Why do I doubt? So often I’ve experienced God’s supernatural provision, but I’ve not fully understood it. I’ve subconsciously dismissed his working in my life with natural explanations. Consequently, I experience fear rather than peace and fail to recognize him in the midst of his work.

At least Peter had the courage to step out of the boat. I am still firmly on the deck. I ask the Lord to soften my heart and give me understanding. S. Petersen

Soften my heart, mighty God, that I will have the faith and courage to step off of the deck of the boat. Amen.

Lord, teach me how to still my racing thoughts. Help me to come to you arguing nothing, pleading nothing, asking nothing, except to be still in your presence. Give me the faith that will enable me to lay my burdens at your feet, and to leave them there in exchange for the peace which passes all understanding. Frank Topping.

Almighty Father, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved son, the king of all: govern the hearts and minds of those in authority, and bring the families of the nations, divided and torn apart by the ravages of war, to be subject to his just and gentle rule; Who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

A Springtime Prayer

God of all glory, when the roar of the traffic recedes
and even our hymns are stilled in our mouths,
then we hear strains of an anthem sung since
you called all things into being;
how birds burst their breasts with gratitude at being alive;
how waves on the shore lap a lullaby at your manger
and spring lambs bleat delight at the empty tomb;
how the wind in the tall pines whispers psalms to the Spirit.
As we begin to sing again, help us not to crave the melody
but to find our place in the harmony of all creation. Amen.