On that day, when evening came, He said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.” After dismissing the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. And a fierce gale of wind developed, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling with water.

Have you ever gotten to walk somewhere with the person in charge? Maybe you got to take the tour of a school with the principal or walk through an office with the boss by your side. This experience is unique because you know you are walking with a person who has authority in that place. You can walk next to them with confidence because they know the way and can handle any hurdles or interruptions you might face.

When Jesus stepped away from the crowds, He stayed with the disciples. Because He had the appearance of man, it was easy to view Him as just one of the guys. But Jesus’s presence alone in this situation was a game changer, even if they didn’t realize it yet. Jesus is more than just a good teacher; He is the light of the world. John 1:9-10 says, “This was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person. He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him.”

From this story and even in our lives today, we see the truth of these words. Jesus has come to show us the way; to walk us through this life with us as the Son of God. But we often forget about the weight of what it means to be with Him. We are anxious and afraid because we forget the Savior who is with us, living within us through the Holy Spirit, is the One who created all things and holds all things together. The One who walks with us through the storms of life changes everything. Because He is with us, we do not have to be afraid. Because He is near, we can come to Him, knowing He will carry it all.

• How has Jesus’s presence with you changed the way you handle the storms in your life?
• Who around you is facing a storm? How can you point them to the hope in Christ?
• Pray and ask God to remind you that He is with you as you face hard circumstances and share the hope of Christ with others.