Devotion - Wednesday, August 23

Welcome back!  The summers in Clemson are pleasant, but they lack the energy, enthusiasm, and sense of community which come with the academic year.  It is good to be back together again.

It is an exciting time for all of you - and there will be many opportunities to smile and laugh and celebrate.  At each such moment, God will be with you to "make your joy complete."

There are also likely to be lonely moments, and times of tremendous stress.  God will be there, then, too.  

I was reading this morning from Mark 6:47-56.  It is the story of Jesus walking on the water, coming to the boat with the disciples.  In Mark's version, there is a strong wind making their journey difficult.  When Jesus comes, and joins them in the boat, the wind ceases.  I like that image.

For those times which are stressful or lonely or frightening, remember Mark 6.  Invite Jesus into the boat with you.