Be of good cheer
They all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” ~ Mark 6:50
What if the very thing that’s making your heart race is the place where Jesus is about to speak peace the loudest? In today’s world, it can be very easy to take on a spirit of fear. Just take a look at the latest headline or get a glimpse of what’s happening around us, and anxious thoughts will immediately try to rush in. You could easily justify the feelings of stress and apprehension because our world is definitely in a state of chaos. I know when I hear of the latest crisis, I can feel that question rise up, how is it ever going to change, or what can be done to make things better. At first glance, it can all appear hopeless.
But there is good news, and we do have hope. Our hope isn’t in people, and it isn’t in the government or world leaders. Our hope is in the Lord Jesus. He is the only One who can truly make a difference, and He is the only One who can bring lasting peace into our every day circumstances. Not only peace, but He brings good cheer and joy right in the middle of it all.
I’m reminded of this when I read today’s scripture. The disciples were in a tumultuous situation on the water. They were working hard to navigate despite everything coming against them. They were pushing through natural pressure from the wind, trying to keep the boat steady and avoid disaster. Then, in the middle of that struggle, they saw Jesus walking on the water, and fear overtook them because they didn’t recognize Him at first. But the moment Jesus spoke, everything shifted. His words brought peace, hope, and courage. He didn’t just calm the storm around them, He calmed the storm within them.
He will do the same for us today. We may not be out on a literal sea, but we face storms every day. The storms of life come through world conditions, difficult reports, and personal challenges. Yet Jesus still comes to us in the middle of it all, speaking the same truth, be of good cheer, it is I, do not be afraid. He is with you, and He will walk with you through whatever you’re facing. His presence brings peace, His voice brings clarity, and His nearness brings joy.
Here are some ways to apply this truth and how get started today:
- Start your day with His words, read Mark 6:50 out loud and let it set the tone for your thoughts
- When fear tries to rise, pause and say, Jesus, I know You are here with me right now
- Turn off the noise for a few minutes each day, sit quietly, and welcome His peace into your heart
- Replace anxious thoughts with truth, remind yourself that your hope is in Jesus, not in circumstances
- Talk to Him honestly about what you’re facing, ask for wisdom, peace, and direction in every situation
- Choose joy on purpose, even in small ways, by thanking Him for His presence and faithfulness
Today I want to encourage you to lift your eyes above the waves and fix them on Jesus, the One who walks right into your storm and speaks peace over your life. You are not alone in what you’re facing, and you do not have to be afraid. His presence changes everything, and His voice still brings calm, courage, and joy. Be of good cheer, because He is with you, and that is more than enough for whatever comes your way.
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 6:45:56
45 Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away.
46 And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.
47 Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.
48 Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.
49 And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out;
50 for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
51 Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.
52 For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.
53 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there.
54 And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him,
55 ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.
56 Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.
Journal:
- What fears have been trying to take hold of my thoughts lately
- Where do I need to invite Jesus into my current situation
- What does being of good cheer look like in my daily life right now
- How can I create space each day to hear His voice and receive His peace
The Daily Dose 