Am I the only one that feels like they are trapped in an almost unrecognizable world that doesn’t make any sense?
A peek at the landscape reveals lock-downs, protests, mask mandates, death tolls, natural disasters, hate, division, election madness, and a once strong country that seems to be on the verge of implosion.
It’s hard to decipher truth when news outlets and social media seemingly twist the truth into a weapon of propaganda to confuse the masses and push an agenda.
“Blue waves” and “red tides” dominate the storyline leaving most feeling like they are stuck in a sinking boat in the middle of the vast ocean with a storm raging all around – we are dazed, confused, battered, weary, and nearing the point of exhaustion.
Is there any hope of reaching a saving shoreline or are we doomed to sink?
Let’s all pause for a minute.
Take a deep breath and consider a similar story:
Walking on Water
As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.
24-26 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
29-30 He said, “Come ahead.”
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”
31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”
32-33 The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”
34-36 On return, they beached the boat at Gennesaret. When the people got wind that he was back, they sent out word through the neighborhood and rounded up all the sick, who asked for permission to touch the edge of his coat. And whoever touched him was healed.
(Matthew 14:22-36)(MSG)What can we learn from a boat filled with scared guys facing a crazy storm that brings things that don't make any sense?
Peace comes with FOCUS & FAITH.
FOCUS
Like Peter, the moment we take our eyes off of Jesus and start focusing on the turmoil around us we begin to sink. We sink into that dark state of anxiety, despair, and hopelessness. We need to remember that God is bigger than any season of turmoil and when we keep our eyes fixed on Him fear fades away.
FAITH
We must recall that the God of all creation is still on the throne and nothing happens without first passing through His compassionate hands. God is the only one that knows the future and how all the pieces of this historical puzzle fit together. Even when we have a "lapse of faith" the Lord never retreats from us; He is still present patiently extending His hand to lift and steady us. He can raise us from any impossibly insane circumstance.
When we maintain our focus and faith Jesus climbs into our boat and the chaos dissipates. We weather the storm because He is the light that brings us safely to the shores of peace.
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light."
· ARISTOTLE