Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional

Troubled Minds, Troubled Waters.

By Kevin Hart | September 9

“…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5.

The disciples are in a predicament. Jesus’ popularity has just reached an unprecedented height after He fed at least 5,000 hungry mouths with just five barley loaves and two small fishes. Now, in the excitement following this incredible miracle, the people are reasoning that Jesus has to be made king!​

Of course, the disciples also want nothing more than to see their Lord sitting on the throne of David. They are tired of hearing the Pharisees constantly snickering and sneering along the edges of the crowds. They are tired of being called a cult. They are tired of the worldly wise laughing at them. And they were very tired of constantly wondering where they’re going to spend the night. With Jesus on the throne, all their troubles will vanish!

Jesus is well aware that this tide of sentiment is swelling in His direction, so He gives an unexpected and immediate command. The Bible says, “Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat… while He sent the multitude away.” Mark 6:45.​

Can you see the disciples’ frustration as they hang their heads low and make their way to the boat? The crowds, in equal disappointment, are packing their belongings for the long walk home. Then Jesus decides to stay back on land while His disciples sail across the Sea of Galilee to Bethsaida.​

Of course, this is probably a good time for the disciples to contemplate Proverbs 3:5, which cautions us against leaning on our own understanding, but all night long, they struggle with feelings of disappointment—until they find themselves fighting against the wind!​

It is certainly true that troubled minds bring troubled waters. Instead of trusting the Lord, we keep our eyes fixed on our circumstances. That keeps us in a place where there is no hope, and our outlook becomes bleaker and bleaker.​

Have you noticed that we tend to fret and worry when life’s path gets narrow and tight as the result of trying circumstances? So often, when we’re discouraged, we wonder, Where is the Lord? And the more we wonder, the more we get discouraged—and the cycle continues. Where are we supposed to look when we face financial hardship? And what do we do when we face terrible illness, or grieve from a broken heart?

The Bible tells us that Jesus took notice of their situation, and walked out to them across the sea! And then, a most unusual thing happens! “And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out.” Mark 6:49. Help arrives, but the disciples don’t even recognize it! Their focus during trouble determined the clarity of their vision!​

Why didn’t they recognize their Master? The answer is found two verses later, after Jesus calms the waters: “For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.” Mark 6:52. Had the disciples kept the miracle of the loaves in mind—a witness pointing to the fact that God’s purpose was being carried out—they would have had “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding….” Philippians 4:7. They would have recognized Jesus as the One who was approaching them on the troubled sea.

When difficulties surround us, we need only remember the last place where God’s glory was revealed in our lives. It will stand as a testament that God is in control, and will remain in control through all of the favorable—and unfavorable—circumstances of our life!