Focus is defined as the center of interest or activity. Do you find it difficult to focus on goodness right now? There is so much going on in this world tonight. So many seem to be in turmoil and sorrow. We could easily become rattled and glued to the television for updates which just increases our worry. Now would be a good time to turn the television off, put on uplifting music and do what we do when running from the world… Go deeper in God’s word.
Father, what might you direct us to tonight? Ah yes! The Apostle Peter. He is the one disciple that makes me comfortable in my relationship with Jesus. Simon Peter was a fisherman. He also was a bit brash and quick to action and talked a good deal. I have been found guilty of that from time to time.
We all remember the ear that Peter separated from the guard in the Garden of Gethsemane. In a fit of anger and attempt to protect Jesus, he just took a sword and lashed out! Jesus touched the guard where his ear used to be, restored it and reprimanded Peter. He was always jumping in to be a cheerleader for Jesus sometimes requiring Jesus to calm him and correct him, publicly.
I am going to concentrate on the night of his walking on water midst a storm event. He so wanted to walk on water to the master. He was successful, until he took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the storm swirling all around him! Fear returned and his water walking ceased as he started to sink.
Sound familiar? We are confronted with a storm and we begin to pray and focus on Jesus and then the enemy runs interference and worries bubble up and then our focus is on the problem and not the problem solver! We all know that sinking feeling!! Help me!!! It happens in the blink of an eye. I have history with this issue.
During stormy seasons we need to remain focused on what we are promised by our Heavenly Father and on the history of our previous storm chasing. It is important to keep our eyes on the navigator of our life. He will guard and protect. Think back on your past storms. Was there a good deal of worry? Then the solution came and the storm calmed for a time? Our Father has brought us so far. He will not forsake his children. He teaches us to take heart! He has overcome the world.
Scripture for Today:
Matt 14:22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.
23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone,
24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them:”Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.”You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Prayer for Today:
Hello Father! Thank you for your unending patience with your children. It seems that we see the storm coming afar off, and we begin to focus on the storm and not on you. So often our mind takes us to the valley of Fret and Worry. Father, we ask that you clear our mind of the distractions that storms bring and enable us to keep our eyes and mind on you. We ask for calm seas as we navigate in the days ahead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.