Walk by Peace
I read something recently that struck me about the leadership of the Lord from Mark 6:45-52. Jesus had just finished teaching and ministering, and afterward, he sent the disciples ahead of him in the boat. The disciples headed out to cross the sea while Jesus went to the mountain to pray. After some time, Jesus set out their way, walking on the water because he noticed them struggling with their oars and the rough waves. The interesting part here is that then the Bible says that “Jesus meant to pass by them.” … Hold on, wait… WHAT? Instead of walking directly to the boat to join them or immediately coming to their aid and calming the waves, we see Jesus just seeming to TAKE A WALK right next to them. On top of this, it appears as if He actually wants the disciples to see him doing just that!
It seems clear to me that there was an invitation of peace somewhere for the disciples here as well as for us today. I feel it is an invitation to step back from the fear, striving, struggling, frustration, weariness, etc. that comes from walking through hard circumstances and instead choose to be joined to Jesus— to quiet our souls, to stop examining our problems, to release our fear and to choose to be joined to Jesus in the place of friendship, rest and peace— There is so much freedom for our souls in that option and yet, during those times of suffering, that is often the hardest thing for us to choose. But listen, there is freedom waiting for us on the other side when we choose this way.
The Lord has so much more of a vision for our lives than just to “rescue” us from fearful and difficult circumstances. He wants us to walk in freedom OVER those circumstances by abounding in peace despite them!
But it gets better! The beautiful twist here in Jesus’ leadership is that when the disciples saw Him on the water and were even more afraid, He did not hesitate to do the following:
He called out to reassure them that it was Him.
He got into the boat with them.
He calmed the waves.
I could weep here! This really just gets me…. How KIND of Him to first challenge us with a high calling in the midst of suffering but then to be so near and ready to meet us wherever we are and wherever we need Him in those difficult places.
I’m telling you, He’s with you. He cares. He will draw near to you when you draw near to Him. Let Him in. Turn to Him. Talk to Him. Be vulnerable and be joined to Him in your places of suffering, and let Him release His comfort over you while you go through those rough waters.
What are you walking through right now that you need to release and step beyond the fear, beyond the whirlwind, beyond the anxiety and join Jesus in a walk of peace? Let’s invite Jesus into that place right now…
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, unite me with Jesus in my hardest of circumstances. I need your presence in the situation regarding: _______________. Train my eyes to look to you and not the sources of anxiety in my life. Train my heart to be open, vulnerable, pliable to your Words and to your invitation of peace. Draw me to the places where I will find rest for my weary soul. I open every part of my heart to you, and I ask you to fill me right now with your peace that passes all understanding. Right now I receive your gift of peace. I receive your truth regarding my current situation. I receive your ministry over my life. Holy Spirit, come. Thank you, Jesus. I love you. Amen.
Linger in this place a little longer and let the Holy Spirit wash you with the truth that Jesus wants you to know and the peace that He wants you to experience. Journal anything that He reveals to you. Pay attention to ways that He will speak to you later in the day, and don’t hesitate to return to this place again when necessary. Make it a habit.
God bless you!
