"It Is I; Do Not Be Afraid" – A Reflection on Mark 6:50

The Parable of the Comforting Presence

A little child, overwhelmed by fear, ran to her mother with tears streaming down her face. She intended to pour out her troubles but found herself lost in the warmth of her mother’s embrace. The love radiating from her mother replaced the fear in her heart. The child never spoke a word about her sorrow because the presence of her mother had made everything else seem insignificant.

This parable mirrors the way God comforts us in our moments of fear and uncertainty. His presence has the power to transform our perspective, even if the storm around us does not immediately subside.

Reflection on Mark 6:50

In Mark 6:50, the disciples are terrified as they see Jesus walking on the water in the middle of a storm. But His words bring peace: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” This passage reminds us that when fear threatens to overwhelm us, the presence of Jesus is our greatest comfort.

1. Fear in the Storm:
   The disciples, seasoned fishermen, were no strangers to storms. Yet, this storm, coupled with the sight of Jesus walking on water, left them terrified. How often do we find ourselves in situations where fear clouds our ability to recognize the presence of God?

2. The Reassurance of His Presence:
   Jesus does not immediately calm the storm in this moment. Instead, He offers the reassurance of His presence: “It is I.” These words remind us that His presence is sufficient, even when circumstances remain unchanged. Like the child in the parable, we find peace not in the absence of trouble but in the presence of love.

3. Breathing Out and Breathing In:
   The hymn included in this devotional illustrates the exchange that happens when we rest in God’s presence. We breathe out our sorrows, fears, and longings, and we breathe in His joy, comfort, peace, and rest. This divine exchange fills the void and stills every doubt and fear.

Practical Applications

1. Turn to Him in Fear:
   When fear rises, run to God as a child runs to a loving parent. Let His presence overshadow your troubles and bring peace to your heart.

2. Focus on His Presence:
   Circumstances may not change immediately, but His presence is always available. Practice becoming more aware of His nearness, even in the midst of challenges.

3. Engage in the Divine Exchange:
   Spend time in prayer, “breathing out” your sorrows and anxieties, and “breathing in” His peace and rest. Let His love fill the void left by your fears.

Reflection Questions

1. How do you typically respond to fear or uncertainty?

2. What practices help you to become more aware of God’s presence during life’s storms?

3. How can you learn to trust His presence even when circumstances don’t immediately change?

Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the peace and comfort of Your presence. When storms arise and fear threatens to overwhelm us, may we hear Your voice saying, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” We trust in Your nearness, breathe out our burdens, and breathe in Your peace. Let Your love fill every void and quiet every fear. Amen.

Closing Thought

When life’s storms rage, it is not always the calm that we need most but the presence of Jesus. His reassuring words, “It is I; do not be afraid,” remind us that His love is enough to sustain us, even in the fiercest trials. Let us rest in the comfort of His embrace.

This post draws inspiration from A.B. Simpson’s devotional, encouraging us to find courage and peace in the presence of Christ.