Today’s text is from a scene on a a serene hillside where the crowd had feasted by the hand of Jesus, the disciple’s boat was in peaceful waters, and God was watching over them. Some would have called it, “Heaven on earth.”

The song says, “There will be peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,” but we have not reached it yet. We have, “one more valley, one more hill; one more trial, one more tear; one more curve in life’s road.” We also have an unseen hand that leads us across the pathless sea.

We may have to contend with the wind and waves, and do so faint-heartedly and afraid. Yet, we still believe, yes we know, the Lord is leading us to the quiet haven of rest. And we too sometimes want to cry out to the approaching image of God walking on the waves, “Save us!”

“It is I (Jesus), be not afraid.” How many times, and how many ways, have we heard those storm calming words? What a difference it makes when we receive Jesus into our boat. “Immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.”

The Bible does not say the words, “This too shall pass,” but that truth is witnessed on almost every page. How many troubles, and blessing, have come and gone, while Jesus remains the same “yesterday, today, and forever.”

It is true that there will be peace in the valley someday, and it is also true that there can be peace in our heart today.

“And I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.”