Dwell Securely

Today’s Gospel Text:  When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Caper'na-um. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea rose because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat. They were frightened, 20 but he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. John 6:16-21

                                                                                                                                    

Reflection: Most of our anxieties start at the evening of life and our worries too can keep increasing with an unsolicited nagging fear taking over, as if gripping our system and our activities.

What shall we call the subtle anxieties that seem to arise in our mind and keeps increasing like the rising waters, occasionally frightening us.  It never seems to abate as the external winds seems to force these anxieties up.

It all seems to crop up at the wrong time and we are tossed, not by the storms here but by the rising subconscious restlessness, which we try to satisfy with the pleasures of life; be it a good company, food, drinks, music or any other forms of activities.

Some resort to physical exercises or the New Age spiritualities available in the market places.

They all seem to help and hence it would be wrong to outright condemn them as useless in keeping with their unstable usefulness, which lasts for a brief moment, but packed with its own dangers.

It is all a art of living in the art of balancing the boat while the water rises. 

There can be no joy or the deep seated lasting peace which only the presence of the one riding over these water can give.

He indeed comes riding over these very waters, the waters of emotions cannot be hidden from him or thrown aside to welcome him. 

Let your emotions too be a part of your prayer, letting him know what you feel and how the waters of anxieties are rising in proportion to create a deep turmoil. 

A situation like that always seeks the shore of security but the rising water only seems to push one away from this security into an insecure realm of insecurity, increasing the restless and anxiety.

Welcome him as he comes into the boat of your life, as did the disciples, with gladness and even if you are far away from shore (3-4 miles), you will reach the shores of security quickly still, with Jesus with you.

Prayer:  Lead us Lord, especially when we are in emotional turmoil that we may dwell securely on the shores of life by abiding deeply in you.

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