When the Weight of Your Thoughts Overwhelms You
We all know that feeling we get when things become too much. Whether the grief is bubbling to the surface, and we can’t hold it in, or the weight of worry is burying us under layers of concern and we feel like we’re going to suffocate, we feel the weight. When the dark thoughts creep in it’s hard to fight against the tide that seems to be too strong to turn. The worry and anxiety do not just set the tone for our day, they can consume it. So how do we fight it? And how can we encourage those we love in helpful ways that will point them to Christ in the struggle to manage the overwhelm?
Psalm 94:19 gives us some guidance; check out these three translations:
“When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.” (NIV)
“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul” (NKJV)
“When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.” (ESV)
Did you see it? WE can’t change anything…but God CAN and He WILL!!
The word anxiety (cares) comes from the Hebrew the word “sarapin” and means “disquieting thoughts.” 1 We’ve all experienced those, haven’t we?
Whether it’s worry over our kids, concern over a situation that feels out of control, fear of the unknown or grief over recent news, our hearts can only withstand so much. When we’re overwhelmed, our minds spin and build upon what is already present. It marinates. It festers. It distracts us from God and steals our peace. It’s not how God wants us to live.
When our thoughts battle against one another or against our peace of mind and heart, that is what Hebrew calls “sarapin”. The word “sarapin” stems from the root word “səipa” which means “ambivalence, division, or divided opinion.”2 And when we give space to those anxious thoughts, they can begin to consume us and distract our mind and heart from focusing on and trusting in God.
But God has a remedy for the confusion and division. Notice…GOD has the remedy. As much as we might try, we don’t have the power to will ourselves to be comforted. But God does!
His consolation or comfort is present and available to us. The Hebrew word “tanhumot” means “compassion or solace.”3 and that word comes from the word “naham” which means “to take a deep breath and be comforted.”4
Remember when our children would cry, sob with ragged breaths and sniff back the tears? We would gather them in, sweep the hair out of their eyes and gently rub their back or arm. Oftentimes we would gently tell them, “just breathe” and we could see them begin to settle and grow calm. Friends, that’s what our Heavenly Father tells us, too, “Just breathe. Rest in My strength. Lean into Me and find comfort and solace. My comforts can delight and cheer your very soul.” Why is it that we resist? Why do we think we have to settle our hearts in our own strength?
If we invite Him to, God settles and smooths our thoughts and our heart so that our troubled minds can be calmed and rest. He longs to give us joy, delight, and cheer! And what better way to demonstrate to others that we have the joy of the Lord?!
Today, take time to pray and pour out your heart to the Lord. Tell Him all the things that are weighing you down. He can bear the load- nothing is too much for Him. Be honest about your fears and your anger, your hurt and confusion. Lean into Him and let Him comfort you. He can and He will.
Then, take time to read the Psalms, maybe listen to some praise and worship music. Just sit and be still. God has abundant comfort for our needs, we only need sit at His feet and ask.
Pray without ceasing.
1. H8312 - śarʿapîm - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8312/kjv/wlc/0-1/
2. H5587 - sᵊʿipâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5587/kjv/wlc/0-1/
3. H8575 - tanḥûmôṯ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8575/kjv/wlc/0-1/
4. H5162 - nāḥam - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5162/kjv/wlc/0-1/
Dark Valleys, Divine Protection
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,” Psalm 23:4a
(location, progression)
Dark valleys. We don’t like them; we wouldn’t choose them, yet, most of us have encountered them at some point in our life. The King James version calls it “the valley of the shadow of death”. It could be the physical death of one we love or maybe it’s the death of a dream, a passion, a project or career, it may even refer to dying to ourselves so we can live for Christ. The valley of the shadow of death means there is a deep loss that is present and abiding.
But look at the wording in Psalm 23:4…the valley of the shadow of death. We only see shadows when there is light present. The fact that there is a shadow in the valley tells us there is Light in the valley with us. The Light of God shows us that death is just a shadow- it is powerless to harm us eternally. Jesus conquered the power of sin and death. “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:18. There is nothing Satan can do to separate us from the love of God and from His protection. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
So, although death is inevitable for everyone, it’s not our final destination as believers and we need to cling to that truth. Death, for the believer, is a doorway to the eternal life that God intends us to live with Him in perfect shalom relationship.
Yet, the valley is there and it’s likely we’ll walk through it, perhaps many times while on this earth. But take note of that other phrase, “even though I walk through”. Did you see it? We’re not staying. We’re walking through. The darkest valley isn’t where we settle. It’s not where God intends for us to stay. We don’t put down roots there. We travel through with our Shepherd by our side. It’s a temporary location for us, but not where He intends us to dwell.
Oh how we need to be reminded of this! How our sons and daughters need this encouragement to help them to trust and obey, to follow without faltering, especially through the dark valleys. Jesus endured death so we wouldn’t have to- He conquered death so we could live a victorious life! He walks through the dark valley with us so that we will be reminded that His presence is our light and our assurance. Psalm 56:13 “For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.”
“But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.” Psalm 49:15
Let’s pray today that our sons and daughters have perspective and assurance when they encounter dark valleys.
“Jesus, You are the light of the world. What a comfort and assurance that is in this dark world. It is so easy to be overwhelmed by the evil that surrounds us and feel as if we’re going to be overcome by it. But You told us that, “whoever follows You will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). I pray that (name) would cling to that Truth. Help (name) to love light more than darkness and to follow after You with all of their heart, mind, and strength. Keep them walking faithfully alongside You in the right paths You choose- even if they lead into dark valleys. Lord, I know You walk with them, remind them of that. Let (name) see visible affirmations of Your Presence today and assure them that wherever You lead them, You will be Present beside them, walking with them through the hardest of times and places. Remind them, too, that the darkness is not where they live. The dark valley isn’t their home. You will lead us out of the valley, You will reach down and rescue us from the deep waters (Ps. 18:16). Lord Jesus, I pray that whatever (name)’s location is, physically or spiritually, that You would give them the strength to move forward, not turning back or to the side and sustain them to endure whatever You lead them to, assuring them that You will, indeed, lead them through it. “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” Ps 27:1 I pray Your mighty protection over (name), in Jesus’ name, amen.”
”I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4b
(companion, confidence, protection, support)
I will fear NO evil. None. Not even just a little bit, not some, but NO EVIL. How can we be confident of that? How can we encourage our sons and daughters when we’re surrounded by evil in this world? We see it everywhere and it can be overwhelming.
The first thing to remember is that second part of the verse, “I will fear no evil, for You are with me”. God is ever-present and all powerful. He will never leave us or forsake us - those are the very words He used to encourage Moses and Joshua. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) Our God is faithful. It is in his nature and character to be so.
Remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear ...so if we are struggling with fear, where is that coming from? Ah, there it is! The enemy! Ephesians 6:12 says “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
As God shepherds us, He is strong to lead, protect, and save. He’s not just a general who sits in the war room- watching from afar while we fight the battle. He’s not just the captain on the battlefield, seeing only the fight in front of him. And He’s not simply the ‘special forces’ sent in to complete an extraction when things are dire. He is everything we need at all times surrounding us completely and holding us up through it all. He holds fast the spiritual boundaries that keep us safe. He is the strong arm that pulls us out of deep waters and dangerous pits, the sword and shield that hold off the enemy who would try to drag us away. “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:5
We have unrivaled protection and support from our loving God. We will fear no evil! Let’s pray that our sons and daughters do not live in fear, but would have confidence that God is with them always, watching, caring, protecting and saving.
Let’s pray scripture over our sons and daughters today:
“The LORD is (name)’s light and their salvation— whom shall they fear? The LORD is the stronghold of (name)’s life— of whom shall they be afraid? When the wicked advance against them to devour them, it is their enemies and foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege (name), (name)’s heart will not fear; though war break out against (name), even then they will be confident.” Psalm 27:1-3
Abba, Father, Almighty Lord, I pray Your word over (name).
(Name) “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.” Psalm 37:1-2
Lord, give (name) strong spiritual confidence in Your protection and watchful care.
“The way of the LORD is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.” Proverbs 10:29
Keep (name) walking and living blamelessly. Guide them on right paths for Your name’s sake. Keep them faithful to You and protect them from fear and from the enemy.
“Therefore, (name) put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen (name) and protect (name) from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
I pray that (name) would “Fear no evil- sin and death are conquered” Revelation 1:8
Give name strength to stand against the evil one and to live in victory through Jesus, in His name I pray, amen.”
Pray without ceasing, friends.
Focused on the Storm or the Savior?
Most people have heard about the miracle of how Jesus fed the five thousand with just a young boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish. He gave thanks and then broke it apart…and apart, and He kept going until there was enough to feed over five thousand people…with leftovers collected afterward. If we were witnesses to that, we’d all likely be marveling for days afterward. The disciples were front row witnesses. Yet, despite that and all the other miracles they’d seen, their short term memory seemed fragile when they faced something scary, something out of their control.
That’s where we pick up our passage, Matthew 14:22-32. Watch how the disciples react and respond; take note of the underlined portions.
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””
There are six things we can learn from this passage that can encourage us as we parent and pray.
First:
“and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.”
How many times do we feel buffeted and beat up by life because it seems everything is against us? Life is hard. Circumstances are painful. Other people are difficult. The wind of life is often working against us and we’re pushed back, pushed down and pushed to our limits….but, friends, Who is the maker of the wind? Our Lord and Savior Jesus…we need to remember that.
Second:
“they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.”
Remember, the disciples had just been with Jesus a short time before this happened. Yet they panicked. They suffered short term memory issues. They forgot that the Master of the Universe and the Lord of Creation was just a shout away…. We’re more like the disciples than we often care to admit. When we are afraid, we often default to panic and the immediate need to fix or control the situation. Instead, we need to call on the Savior.
Third:
“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.””
Jesus sees our struggle. He understands our fear. He knows that we are mortal and fragile and we are overwhelmed and intimidated by things that are out of our control.
When our children feared something and cried out, we didn’t wait until they’d suffered an acceptable amount of time. We didn’t allow them to ‘tough it out’ to help them learn. No, we would quickly move to comfort and soothe them, tell them we were there with them and tell them there was no need to be afraid. Look at Jesus’ words above!! Isn’t that just like a Good Father?. God doesn’t wait until we’ve suffered long enough in our fear…He reassures us immediately. He reminds us that He’s there with us and He tells us we have nothing to fear.
Fourth:
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
Ah, Peter; don’t you just love impulsive, energetic, passionate Peter?! Take note of Peter’s first words….Lord, if it’s you…..
There was some doubt there and a bit of a challenge too. But Jesus didn’t reprimand him. Jesus didn’t ask Peter what his motives were. He didn’t ask him whether he was qualified. Jesus welcomed him. He knows our hearts. He sees our doubt and skepticism. He understands our fear and our mistrust. He sees that we want to believe, but our humanness gets in the way. Jesus welcomes us anyway. Step out and bring Him your doubt and fear. Go on.
Fifth:
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Peter took a few steps, then realized where he was and what He was doing….and he began to sink. Yet, instead of wringing his hands and wondering what on earth he should do, he cried out to Jesus.
He got it right. He didn’t try to solve it on his own. He didn’t tell the Lord to wait until he figured it out. He didn’t push away the hand that was there to save him, insistent he could do it himself. He cried out, “Lord save me!”
Here’s the thing, every time the disciples took their eyes off of Jesus and focused on the situation and circumstances surrounding them, they became doubtful and fearful. Peter saw the wind. He felt the waves. He looked down at the water instead of into the eyes of Jesus. He succumbed to the situation rather than surrendering to the Savior.
When circumstances start to pull us under, all we need to do is cry out to Jesus “Lord, save me!”
and then…
Sixth:
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out to save Peter. He reached out and caught him. He saved him. He rescued him, not because he deserved it or earned it, but because Jesus loved him.
When we’re praying for our loved ones, whether our sons and daughters, family members or those for whom we’re burdened, we can become overwhelmed with the circumstances and lose sight of the Savior. And when we do that, we begin to doubt Him, we question His goodness, we become impatient with His timing. We are uncertain of how He will answer and we start to lack confidence in His grace and mercy. We may even lose trust…but why? Because we’re looking at the circumstances and not the Savior.
Just to recap
The storm may be against us, but we serve the Lord of the wind and the waves
We can’t allow our fear to take the throne and control our responses. Let’s remind ourselves of the Lords power and faithfulness. He is able to calm the storm!
Jesus will always remind us that He’s with us, we have nothing to fear if we are trusting in Him.
Jesus sees our doubts. He loves us anyway and He’ll always welcome us to come to Him.
When we’re sinking, all we need to do is cry out for Jesus to save us. We don’t need to fix it ourselves.
Jesus responds to our cries! Always!
Do you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of circumstances? Call out to the Lord. Is your son or daughter in the midst of a storm? Call out to the Lord. Did you get a phone call, a text or a message that shook you? Call out to the Lord. He has a 100% response rate and His strength is unmatched. Trust Him. Let’s not lose sight of the Savior, friends.
“Father, You know this storm (go on, explain it to the Lord) But I know You are Lord of the wind and the waves. Help me to focus on You and not on the situation. Help me not to fear what might be, but be confident in what I know is True. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Right now I want to pray for (name). You know their needs and their struggles. You see them in the midst of the storm and the wind that is carrying them away from You, from Your safety and refuge. I pray that You would go to (name), Lord. Meet them where they are. Make Yourself evident to (name) today. I pray that in the midst of their turmoil, fear and doubt that Your voice would be loud and clear “It is I, don’t be afraid”. Lord, calm (name)’s heart today and give them courage to trust You. Lord, if they are drowning in the storm, reach out and save them immediately. Draw (name)’s gaze to You. Encourage them with Your comfort, your Presence and Your reassurance. Jesus, they need You. I pray that they would see their need and, instead of trying to fix it themselves, they would cry out to You. I pray that You would stand in the midst of the storm with them and hold them close. Lord, hear their cry and answer immediately. I trust You and I know You can do more than I could ever ask or imagine. I pray that You would be Lord of the storm today and bring peace, calm and rescue. Bring (name) into safe fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Do you know someone who is struggling today? Why not share this post with them and encourage them to cry out to Jesus.
Pray without ceasing.
Fear Nurtures a Traitorous Heart
Matthew 14:22-33 “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””
We’ve all likely felt the emotion- that ‘hair-standing-up-sending-tingles-through-your-body’ imminent danger of fear.
But what causes fear? According to dictionary.com fear is “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid” 1
We fear when we encounter something greater than we are that has the power to cause pain, shatter our peace or destroy us. We fear when something is out of our control. Fear sets in when others in the situation or the elements surrounding us exceed our perceived ability to manage and maintain our preferences and comfort. It’s a response to lack of control.
Fear seems to be an ever-present part of parenthood. When they’re little we fear that they’ll stop breathing, or choke on food, or run into the street or get sick or… the list goes on. As they grow, we fear them driving cars, the other drivers, the ‘creepers’ who are out there, the temptations…that list goes on, too. Now that they’re adults, the fears remain, they just change location and direction and intensity.
As parents, we can quickly descend into fear. And when we do, we become like Peter in Matthew 14:22-33 when Jesus invited him to step out and walk on the water. At first, Peter eagerly obeyed and began walking toward Jesus. But then the reality of his surroundings, the deep water, the distance from the boat, the gravity-both figurative and literal- grabbed his attention. He took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on everything around him that could threaten and harm him. Fear stepped between Peter and Jesus…and he began to sink. He permitted fear to gain power over him. He allowed the situation to dictate his response rather than the Savior who controlled the situation.
When we look around at this world, it’s not hard to feel that fear welling up inside of us. We want to protect our kids, and that’s understandable. But we can easily cripple our heart and mind with fear if we dwell on all the ‘what ifs’. But, friends, living in the ‘what ifs’ is a form of fortune-telling, isn’t it? It’s imagining and expecting outcomes over which we have no control and allowing those expectations or fears to consume and control us. We believe in the ‘what-if’s more than we believe in our Savior. We stop trusting in the sovereignty of God and His mighty power.
If we live in fear, that’s an indication that a portion of our heart and mind are not surrendered to Christ. It tells us that we don’t fully trust the Lord. An anxious heart weighs a man down (Prov. 12:25). That word ‘anxious’ means fear, being afraid. When we’re afraid, our thoughts are not consumed with God, but with whatever is threatening. When we fear, we’re effectively saying “God, I don’t trust that You can defeat this”. An anxious heart is a traitorous heart.
Here’s the incredible truth, if we are in Christ, the very power that worked in Him to raise Him from the dead is the same power that works in us.
Ephesians 1:18-20 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,”
God has no equal. There is nothing that can put Him in danger, threaten His power or position, or overcome Him with evil. He overcame evil when Jesus died on the cross for sin, descended into the depths to take the keys of death and Hades and ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. No other has that resume. No other has the power to do that.
Friends…we have nothing to fear! 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (KJV) If we are found in Christ, we are held safe in the shadow of His wing. We are held secure in the refuge of His presence. We are surrounded by the strength of His power and might. We are victorious in His record of victory!
Our fear is a tool of the enemy to get our eyes off of Jesus and onto our troubles. Fear is a poison that infects us quickly and renders us ineffective. Let’s purpose to not give in to fear but to stand firm in our trust of our Savior.
Let’s pray today that fear ceases to be a part of our parenting and that, instead, we live with confidence and joy and we exhibit an example that our sons and daughters should follow.
“Father, I pray that today You will eclipse any fear that wants to settle in my heart and mind. Help me to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (Phil. 4:8). Lord, You are Sovereign. You are Almighty. You have no equal and there is nothing and no one who can challenge or overthrow You. Lord, help me to remember that. When fear threatens to creep in and steal my peace and joy, I pray that You would take my face and direct my eyes to You. Lord, I pray that I would not live in fear and that I would not allow it to take root in my heart and mind. It’s a poor example for my sons and daughters. If I live in fear, I essentially demonstrate that I don’t trust You to do what You promise. Forgive me for my fear, for my mistrust, for my wavering faith.”
“I pray that You would help (name) to trust You fully and rest in Your safe-keeping. Don’t allow fear to distract (name) from following You with their whole heart and mind and strength. Don’t let them cave to the taunts of the enemy who tries to get their attention and steal their peace. I know fear is a tool of the enemy, so I pray that you would empty his toolbox and render him powerless. I pray that (name) would look to You for strength and that You would fill (name) with confidence in Your Sovereignty and Power. That same power that worked in Jesus to raise Him from the dead is the power that works in us. Lord, help us to live in that power today. Give us victory over fear. We are Your children and we know You are our Perfect Father who will always protect and watch over us. Help us to rest in that today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Why not share this today with someone who struggles with anxiety and fear? Let’s encourage one another in our walk with Jesus.
Pray without ceasing.
Dictionary.com. Fear definition & meaning. Dictionary.com. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fear
Fear, Faith, & Examples to Follow
Matthew 14:25-33 “Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid. “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””
Let’s look at the actions and responses of the disciples:
They saw Jesus, but they didn’t recognize Him, they were terrified.
They cried out in fear.
Peter stepped out of the boat at Jesus’ invitation and began to walk on the water
Peter got distracted by the wind and waves around him and began to sink, he cried out in fear
Jesus and Peter returned to the boat together
The disciples worshiped Jesus and acknowledged His Deity.
Now, look at the actions and responses of Jesus:
Jesus walked on the water to the disciples’ boat- He knew right where they were
He immediately reassured them when they cried out in fear
He invited Peter to come out on the water with Him (He didn’t rebuke his doubt or give a sermon, He simply said “Come”
Jesus immediately reached out to catch Peter as he began to sink. There is that word again…immediately
Jesus questioned Peter’s faith and his doubt
He climbed into the boat with Peter and the disciples.
Do you notice the difference? The disciples were focused on the situation. Jesus was focused on the relationship. Go back and read the lists again.
The disciples didn’t even recognize Jesus. He was there. He spoke to them, but their distraction at the things going on around them kept them from hearing His voice.
Then, Peter stepped out in faith to walk on the water. We need to ask, was he motivated to prove something to himself (that it really was Jesus) something to others (that he would be the one to walk on water) or was he fully driven to walk toward Christ- focused on Him, pursuing Him?
Jesus said “Come”, an invitation to join Him, an offer to pursue relationship and Peter was initially focused on Jesus, yes. But as soon as he got distracted, he shifted his focus to what was going on around him. He began to sink. Peter quickly realized the impact of fear on his focus, his faith and his position. He got distracted by the situation.
When we struggle with anxiety and fear and we pursue ways to control it, face it and conquer it, are we doing it to prove something to ourselves, to others, or to pursue Christ? Are we focused on the relationship, or on the events going on around us?
Friends, there is so much that can captivate our thoughts and our hearts. Where is our focus? Are we listening to Jesus, calling us to come to Him? Are we looking to Him alone in the midst of our storm, or are we too busy watching the wind and waves and anticipating what they will do to us? How often do we allow our fear and anxiety to consume our focus? …And if we’re sinking, what kind of example are we setting for others…for our sons and daughters?
Here are the things we need to remember.
In Matthew 14, Jesus knew exactly where the disciples were. He knows right where we are too. He knows where our sons and daughters are. He can be right there with them, reassuring them, calling them to ‘come’.
God will direct us into things we cannot handle on our own- we need to trust Him
The boat was buffeted by the waves…but as soon as Jesus stepped into the boat, the wind died down - When we invite Jesus into our storm, He brings peace. His presence calms our anxiety. The difficulty may still be there, but our focus shifts and our heart is assured because our Savior is at the helm. We hear His voice. We know and enjoy His presence. He brings peace and dispels our fear.
It’s no wonder, then, that we see Peter remind us in 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Peter knew that first hand.
Today, stop and talk to the Lord, He’s calling you to come. Focus on Him, not the storm. Invite Him into your ‘boat’. Rest in the fact that He sees and knows all. Nothing is out of his control. Let’s refocus. Let’s cast our anxiety and fear aside and look to the Lord. He’s calling us to come. Let’s set the example for our sons and daughters and pursue Christ instead of sinking in the sea of fear and worry.
Pray without ceasing.