The first (and only!) time I saw the movie Jaws, I completely freaked out. A giant killer shark with eerie background music; that was enough to make any of us ten year olds lose sleep! For a whole summer, I actually avoided swimming in lakes or the deep end of the pool because the idea being attacked by a shark created a lot of fear in me. Yes, I do (now!) know that sharks do not live at the local public swimming pool in my town.

Today's Gospel of John 6:16-21 involves some similar elements: a late evening boat ride, the sea, some very frightened disciples. A storm was approaching. The sea was stirred up with a blowing hard wind. The disciples must have been exhausted after hard rowing for several miles, not to mention, concerned by the sudden change in the weather. And then, Jesus shows up in the middle of it all—the crazy weather, the disciples' fear and uncertainty, the chaos on the boat.

Jesus comes in.

His presence creates a shift in the atmosphere, and it changes everything.

Jesus speaks, and everything shifts, settles.

His presence and words have the power to change any situation. Even crazy storms on a late-night boat ride.

What is stirred up inside of you these days? What are the strong winds blowing that leave you feeling overwhelmed, tired, anxious, or fearful? Is Jesus there with you in those spaces?

Invite Him in. His presence has the power to make a shift for you, right here and now.

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Lord Jesus, I invite You into my storms today.