Most of us are familiar with the story found in John 6:15-21 and Matthew 14:22-33. However, as I studied these verses, I was impressed by how quickly the Savior responded in several instances.
In this portion of the lesson, the Savior sends the Twelve on a boat alone while he disperses the multitude that sought after them. He then goes up to a mountain to pray and commune with the Lord. While the disciples were on the ship, a storm came up, and they were afraid. In the fourth watch – between three and six in the morning, according to the footnotes – the Savior left His prayer and walked across the water to join His disciples.
Already terrified by the storm, the disciples were further frightened by what they thought to be a spirit approaching. They cried out in fear. “But straightway Jesus spake unto them” (Matthew 14:27). When the disciples were frightened, the Savior did not leave them in their fear. He immediately reassured them as to His identity. He calmed them with His voice.
Then, too, when Peter became afraid and sank in the water, the Savior stretched out his hand “immediately” (verse 31). Again, He did not let the doubtful, fearful disciple sink long into the water. As soon as he cried out for aid, the Savior reached out to help Him.
The Savior will quickly reach out to us, as well. Like the disciples, we must first call out to Him. We must take that first step. We must reach out for Him. He always stands ready to help us; He waits only for our recognition of that need.
Of course, He won’t always take away what troubles us. But He can calm the worst of storms by bringing inner peace to our hearts. We may still be left on the ocean, but the fear will dissipate with His presence and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Related Articles:
Gospel Doctrine: Peace, Be Still
General Conference: “He Heals the Heavy Laden”
For other articles on this week’s lesson, click the ‘Gospel Doctrine’ thread under ‘LDS Catagories’