For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. (Mark 6:50)

Jesus spoke this message to believers tossed with tempest, and we need it when we are depressed by the surroundings of these evil times.

In seasons of depressed trade, great sickness, terrible wars, and public disasters, it’s balm to the spirit to know that Jesus is still the same.

Sin may abound yet more, the light of the gospel may burn low, and the prince of darkness may widely sway his destroying scepter, but nevertheless, this truth stands sure, that Jesus is the “I Am.”

At certain periods, diabolical influence seems paramount, the reins of nation appears to be taken out of the hand of the Great Governor, and yet it is not so.

Look through the darkness, and you shall see your Lord amid the hurricane, walking the waters of politics, ruling national convulsions, governing, overruling, arranging all, making even the wrath of man to praise Him, and restraining it according to His wisdom.

Above the howling of the blast, I hear His voice announcing, “It is I.” When men’s hearts sink for fear and the rowers feel their oars ready to snap by the strain of useless toil, I hear that word which is the soul of music:

“It is I; be not afraid. I am ruling all things. I am coming to the rescue of the bark, My Church; she shall yet float on smooth waters and reach her desired Haven.” ((Charles Spurgeon,At the Master’s Feet [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005], November 19.))

Charles Spurgeon

Further reading

• FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND INERRANCY OF SCRIPTURE
• KAY ARTHUR OF PRECEPT MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL AND THE UNCHANGED AND UNCHANGING NEIL ANDERSON
• CONCERNING FRANKLIN GRAHAM AND BGEA ON MORMONISM