But immediately

Jesus spoke to them

saying,

"Take heart;

it is I.

Do not be afraid."

      Matthew 14. 27

(If we knew

that God was in

this difficulty,

hardship,

and mystery,

would we be afraid?

How differently

we can approach

what is before us

because we know Him.

God does not just

    bring us through,

but to a deeper

   intimacy with Him,

His strength for us

and witness to others.

His Presence

   changes everything.)

O LORD,

You equip us with

   Your strength.

You assure us by

   Your Presence.

Fear only trips us up.

Worry blocks out

any available light.

Trusting You

may or may not change

the circumstances,

but opens up our hearts

    to knowing You more,

what we see,

how we respond,

what we do,

and how we love others

           through it.

You are right here,

walking with us.

You redeem.

You multiply.

You love us more

  than we can know.