Fishing With Jesus
Those who know me know that I love to fish. What they may not know is how my fishing trips are tied to my prayer life. Several years ago, I set out on an expedition in the Gulf of Mexico for grouper, red snapper, and my favorite, amberjack.
Our pattern is to begin the trip at sunrise. The first stop is just offshore to catch the small baitfish used for the big fish we target. This day, all was beautiful. The sun rose above with spectacular hues of red and golden shards that exploded against the canvas of a bright blue sky. The water below was a different but equally beautiful shade of blue. At the surface, there was only a gentle roll of waves that lapped against the side of the boat in a slow rhythmic beat. Even the smell of the sea was alluring — clean and fresh with a faint washing of salt.
As we stopped to gather the baitfish and as I tossed my line into the water, I took in the beauty. I remembered the times that my dad had taken me fishing. He loved to fish, and he handed down that love to me. Like so many times before, my heart welled up with gratitude. I began to give thanks for the gifts of God that now formed a banquet to my senses.
Soon, my prayer changed just a bit as I remembered Jesus’ encounter with fishermen. I realized that living where he did, with a culture where fishing was a major occupation, Jesus was no stranger to fishing (although admittedly with nets rather than rods and reels). I imagined Him on the water, net in hand, sweat beading on His forehead, a smile spreading across His weathered face as He too enjoyed the delights of the sea.
As my imagination painted a “Jesus on the water” picture, I told the Lord, “Jesus, I bet you enjoyed fishing. I bet you had a blast. I would have loved to have seen that. I wish you were here so we could enjoy it together.”
The thought had barely left my lips when another came to mind. I thought I heard a reply. Yes, the voice was inside my head, but it was nonetheless as clear and real as if spoken aloud from a companion. “I AM here,” came the voice, “and I AM enjoying it.” The voice continued, “I AM enjoying it with you and through you.”
Perhaps I imagined the voice. Perhaps it was Jesus speaking through His Spirit. It doesn’t matter. What I heard that day took me one step closer to understanding a God who is “always with me.”
In times of struggle and unease we often cling to Scripture. It is vital so that we can gain the strength and comfort to move through the obstacles. Yet how often do we think of Him in times of celebration, present with us when we are laughing and enjoying the fullness of life? It is easy simply to accept them as expected, as if we are entitled to His presence.
Fishing has never quite been the same since that thought came to mind. The awareness of His presence changes everything. We seek not only an understanding based on a theological formula. We are looking for Him – present in an inner voice that celebrates life with us and through us. Gratitude opens the door to recognizing His presence, and once experienced the smallest events of life are transformed into even deeper occasions of joy.
—Rev. James R. Needham, PhD
PhD, MDiv
When do you most sense the presence of God? How does it feel? Can you find Him today, in times of joy and in times of sorrow? David once encouraged his son Solomon with these words: “Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you” (Deut. 28:20). Reflect on this promise; recognize He is with you always and share the experience with Him. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics