January 8

for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” — Mark 6:50 BSB

There’s a story of a little child who, with a heavy heart, runs to its mother for comfort, intending to tell her all about its troubles. But as the mother holds the child close and pours out her love, the child becomes so absorbed in her presence that it forgets the trouble and even forgets to share it. In a little while, the memory of the sorrow is gone, replaced by the sweetness of the mother’s love.

This is how God comforts us. His reassuring word is, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” The circumstances may not change, but His presence fills the void and satisfies us, and we forget everything else in His loving embrace.

I am breathing out my sorrow
On Thy kind and loving breast;
Breathing in Thy joy and comfort,
Breathing in Thy peace and rest.
I am breathing out my longings
In Thy listening, loving ear;
I am breathing in Thy answer,
Stilling every doubt and fear.