But immediately

He spoke to them and said,

"Take heart;

              it is I.

   Do not be afraid."

And He got into the boat

                   with them,

and the wind ceased.

              Mark 6. 50-51

(How differently

would we view,

approach,

and respond

to this situation,

difficulty,

or storm,

if we knew God was in it

   and He is in the boat

                     with us?

Not just being aware

            of His Presence

but trusting Him in it.)

O LORD,

Grant us the courage

to follow You,

knowing that

     You secure our steps.

Help us to listen to You

    and respond

    and trust You,

whether a frightful journey

  or right where we are.

It doesn't have to be a storm

or a new threshold

or a scary situation

     for us to be faithful to You.

And to know

     You are in the boat.