Matthew 14:27 says:
“But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.'”
This is a picture of my dad meeting one of my babies for the first time. The feeling I describe here hasn’t changed over the years, it’s about that sense of safety, of knowing someone is watching over you.
When a storm of fear or worry rages inside me, I often think of my dad. Whatever I’m feeling, the moment I see him, I feel safe. Even now, at 26, I feel that same deep sense of security I felt as a little girl.
I remember feeling truly terrified after delivering my son (my first pregnancy and delivery). I had been in labor for 28.5 hours, pushed for two hours, and was hooked up to machines with drugs pumping into my body. I was sure something was going wrong. I didn’t feel the instant joy I thought I would. Fear and uncertainty took over.
Then my dad arrived to meet his first grandson. Seeing him hold that tiny, new life shifted something inside me. I felt safe. I didn’t know exactly how everything would be okay, but I trusted him, and that trust brought peace.
That’s how God wants us to feel. My dad is reliable, strong, and courageous, but he can’t always be physically present. He couldn’t be with me during every challenge, and there will come a day he won’t be able to be here at all.
Jesus, however, is always present. He is the ultimate source of safety and comfort. When we place our trust in Him fully, even in the moments we feel most afraid, we can have peace. He is always there, whether we call on Him or not.
Think of the person you trust the most. What is it about them that makes you feel safe? Imagine placing that same trust, but even more, into your relationship with Jesus.
A simple phrase to remember Matthew 14:27 is:
Never Fear! Jesus is Here!
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