After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
matthew 14: 22-33
sometimes at night my nightmares make me feel like I'm in a small boat on stormy seas. does God love me? I don't love me. I'm not worthy of God's love. my soul is damaged by my many sins. why would God love me? it's difficult for me to believe, particularly at night when it's dark and I'm alone with my sinfulness, that God loves me. when I calm myself down, I realize that, despite my unworthiness, God does love me. I know that God loves me because the bible, God's word, tells me so.
public domain
matthew 18:3
