A GREAT CALM

“And seeing them labouring in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he comes to them walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. But they, seeing him walking on the sea, thought that it was an apparition, and cried out. For all saw him and were troubled. And immediately he spoke with them, and says to them, Be of good courage: it is *I*; be not afraid. And he went up to them into the ship, and the wind fell.” (Mark 6:48-51)

The Lord is always nearest when He is most needed. This may not always be realized but it is a great truth.

He was beside the ship in which His disciples toiled and battled with the storm, unknown and unlooked for, no prayer from them brought Him to them, it was His own affection — they were precious to Him.

Prayer arises when He is known to be there, but He is there by His own love. My necessity is the appeal to His love, my trouble leads Him to be beside me in the direst moment, and when I recognize Him in His anxious, tender interest in me, then I receive Him into the ship — into my circumstances; He enters into them Himself — and when He Himself is recognized, He enters into my circumstances with me and the effect is wonderful — THERE IS A GREAT CALM!

J.B.S.