Apr 21 Devotion: of your Heart

4).  Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  5).  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.  6).  And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as the noonday.  7).  Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way. because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

                                      PSALMS 37:4-7 (KJV) 

It was night.  There were high winds and crashing waves. For the disciples, who were on the sea in a small boat, the situation had become a crisis—and Jesus was not with them. He was on the mountainside praying.

In the storm, perhaps the disciples thought Jesus had forgotten them. But He knew exactly where they were and what they were experiencing. Since Jesus is omniscient, He knows our situation at every moment. No darkness can hide us; no trial can obscure His vision. We are always seen, known, and understood!

Jesus sought out the disciples, and He will do the same for us. At first, however, the Twelve didn’t realize who it was they saw walking on water. Jesus often does not come in the way that we expect. Our ideas of how He works can make us wonder where He might be and blind us to how near He actually is.

Experiencing Jesus’ presence in hard times can teach us precious truths. During an earlier experience on the water, the disciples saw both Jesus’ trust in God and His authority over nature (See MATTHEW 8:23-26).  Through the storms, they learned who Jesus was and what He could do. 

Let’s pray for spiritual eyes to discern the Lord’s presence. Then, may we listen for His voice and obey (SEE JOHN 10:27).

-IBC