There is such power in those three little words, “I am here.” Imagine for a moment a young elementary student with a part in the school play. Those three lines he or she has to deliver are some of the most important sentences ever spoken. But maybe dad has been traveling all week for work.

Suddenly the back door to the auditorium bursts open and he quickly slips into a seat. He draws his child’s attention to himself and mouths the words, “I am here!” Now, just watch that child’s confidences soar.

There is enormous comfort when an elderly woman opens her eyes in the ICU of a major hospital and hears her husband whisper, “Its okay honey, I am here.” That same comfort is found on the edge of a teenager’s bed as mom listens intently to her daughter share her broken heart over a broken romance. As she gently hugs the daughter, mom’s words fill the room, “It’s going to be alright. I am here.”

No doubt, we can relate to all those human scenarios. So when we hear Jesus declare the same truth, it is important to sit up and pay attention. And one of the best examples is found in Matthew 14. It’s the story of Peter getting to walk on water.

But buried in the first part of the account is the reality that the disciples were truly afraid. Not only were the weather conditions awful, but also they think they see a ghost walking along on the top of the lake.

They cry out in abject terror, to which Jesus replies, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage, I am here.” (Matt. 14:27 NLT)

We might not be a discouraged teenager or frazzled young thespian, but we do find ourselves stretched to the limit on a regular basis. And we too need to hear:

“The Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:5)

“You are in me and I am in you.” (John 14:20)

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20)

“I give them eternal life and they shall never perish, no man can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)

“Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” (Rom. 8:38-39)

So this week, if the prevailing self talk message is filled with stress, worry and frustration. Adjust the “channel” and start listening to the “I am here” messages. They will change our lives!