September 14

Morning

After they had dismissed the crowd, they took Jesus with them, since He was already in the boat. And there were other boats with Him. — Mark 4:36 BSB

That night, Jesus was the High Admiral of the sea, and His presence protected the entire convoy of boats. It is a great blessing to sail with Jesus, even in the smallest of boats. When we travel with Christ, we aren’t guaranteed smooth sailing; storms may rage, even around the vessel that carries the Lord Himself. We shouldn’t expect the sea to be any calmer around our little boat. If we follow Jesus, we must be content to share in His experiences. When the waves crash against His ship, they will also crash against ours. It is through storms and rough seas that we will reach the shore, just as He did before us.

When the storm hit the Sea of Galilee, every face darkened with fear, and every heart was filled with dread of shipwreck. When all human help failed, the sleeping Savior arose and with a single word transformed the chaos into calm. And then, every small boat was just as peaceful as the one carrying the Lord. Jesus is the guiding star of the sea, and though the sea may bring sorrow, when Jesus is present, there is also joy. Let our hearts make Jesus their anchor, their rudder, their lighthouse, their life-boat, and their safe harbor. His Church is the Admiral’s flagship—let us follow her movements and support her leaders with our presence. He is the great attraction—let us always follow in His wake, heed His signals, steer by His chart, and never fear while He is near. Not one ship in His convoy will be lost; the great Captain will guide every vessel safely to the desired haven. By faith, let’s prepare to set sail for another day’s journey and sail with Jesus through the seas of tribulation. The winds and waves may not spare us, but they all obey Him. Whatever tempests rage outside, faith will keep a blessed calm within. He is ever in the midst of His storm-tossed people—let us rejoice in Him. His vessel has reached the shore, and so will ours.

Evening

Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah — Ps 32:5 BSB

David’s sorrow over his sin was intense. Its impact was visible in his body: “My bones became brittle from my groaning all day long; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat.” He found no relief until he made a full confession before God’s throne of grace. For a time, he kept silent, but his heart grew heavier with grief—like a mountain stream blocked by debris, his soul swelled with sorrow. He made excuses and tried to distract himself, but it was all in vain. His anguish festered like a wound, and because he refused to confess, his spirit was tormented, finding no rest.

At last, he realized he must return to God in humble repentance or die. So he rushed to the mercy seat, unrolling the long scroll of his sins before the all-seeing One, confessing his wrongdoing in the words you can read in Psalm 51 and other penitential psalms. As soon as he did this, a task so simple yet so difficult for pride, he immediately received the sign of divine forgiveness. His broken bones were restored to joy, and he left his time of confession singing the blessing of being a man whose sins were forgiven.

See the priceless value of a grace-filled confession of sin! It is more valuable than anything else, for in every case where there is true and gracious confession, mercy is freely given—not because confession earns mercy, but because of Christ’s sake. Praise God, for there is always healing for the broken-hearted! The cleansing fountain flows constantly, washing away our sins. Truly, Lord, You are a God “ready to forgive!” Therefore, we will confess our sins!