“BE OF GOOD CHEER, IT IS I, BE NOT AFRAID.”
By A. Swedberg
The circumstance which called forth these cheering words was one of great peril to the disciples of Christ. They, with a large number of outsiders, had been together by the sea-side during the day, listening to the words of their Master. Five thousand people had been miraculously fed with five loaves of bread and two fishes. Christ had then sent his disciples away in a boat to the other side of the lake, while he dismissed the large congregation of eager listeners to his words of instruction. As evening drew on, Jesus went out into the mountain by himself to plead in humble prayer with his Father. The dusky shadows of night had already spread their gloom and darkness over the lake and the region round about, when a fearful storm arose, changing the calm waters into raging billows. In the midst of these the disciples struggled betwixt hope and fear to manage their boat, expecting every moment to be engulfed beneath the seething waves. In this moment of peril and despair, the disciples no doubt thought themselves doomed to perish. Ah, had they forgotten the miracles Christ had wrought! and knew they not that he was able to save them in this hour of trial? The Saviour beholds them from the mountain, where he is pleading with God, and in tender pity and compassion he leaves his place of solitude to go to their rescue. He walks on the water; and as he draws near to the boat, the disciples, believing they see a phantom, cry out in fear. Their fears and dismal forebodings had now reached the highest pitch. But in the midst of these perils, when everything seems to doom them to a watery grave, the wind bears to their ears the cheering words: “Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid.” Lo, it is the Master, who is thus coming to them. In an instant their fears were gone, their sorrow and anguish turned to joy and gladness. Christ steps into the boat, and immediately the storm is over, and the sea restored to its former calmness, insomuch that the disciples were exceedingly amazed, and wondered at the power and authority of Jesus. While reading this incident in the life of Christ, my mind was led to consider the struggles, darkness, and perplexity which the Christian must sometimes experience, while sailing over life's ocean. At times the waves of discouragement and the powers of darkness will almost overcome him, and it seems as though the Heavens were shut against his earnest pleas. He stands ready to give up the struggle in despair. Just then comes the still whisper, inspiring him with new hope and courage, “Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid.” Yes, Jesus is a friend that will always stand by us, if we put our trust in him. Then let us cast away all doubts and fears, and put our whole confidence in Him who is able and always ready to help in time of need. Let discouragements fly away, and let us with cheerfulness, courage, and patience run the race set before us. And may we, when trials and darkness come upon us, ever remember these comforting and soul-inspiring words of our blessed Saviour: “Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid.” “Soldiers of God, go forth, be strong!
Through faith do works of great renown;
Your toils and strifes shall not be long;
Your Captain comes to bring your crown.”
A. SWEDBERG.