Jesus Is in the Boat

Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.  

Reading: Matthew 8

Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.  
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.

The disciples’ fear in the middle of the storm made sense based on their experience—they were fishermen who knew how dangerous storms could be. But they had forgotten to account for the most important difference: Jesus was in the boat with them. We can do the same thing when anxiety takes over; we can focus so completely on the storm that we forget who is with us in it. Jesus may calm the storm, or He may allow us to walk through it, but His presence means we do not have to face it alone.

What “storm” has captured your attention so completely that you are having trouble remembering that Jesus is with you?
        
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…  

1. Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).  
2. Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Jesus, when the storms of life become overwhelming, help us remember that You are with us. Give us faith to look beyond what we can see and trust Your presence even when the circumstances have not changed. Help us find courage not only when You calm the storm, but also when You ask us to trust You in the middle of it. Amen.
   
3. Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.  

Faith Step:
The next time you feel anxious today, name the storm you are facing and then name three ways you know Jesus is with you in it.