Tuesday Thoughts: Keeping Our Focus on Jesus

 

And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."
So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"
And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
~Matthew 14:28-31

The above scripture was the focus of our evening devotional yesterday. I thought it was very fitting, not only after watching news reports on the Notre Dame fire all afternoon, but also just seeing what's constantly, in general, going on in our country and world today.

Keep Looking at Jesus

Peter was able to walk on the water as he was going to Jesus. In order to go to Jesus, he had to keep his eyes on Him. But, the storm around them made Peter shift his focus. In noticing that the wind was boisterous, his focus was turned away from Jesus, fear of the storm took over, and he began to sink. Also note, that when Peter cries out in desperation, Jesus reaches out and saves him. While we may lose sight of Jesus at times, He never loses sight of us, and that brings great comfort, doesn't it?

As Christians, it seems there are so many things going on to distract us. To tempt us into a state of worry and fear. To pull our gaze away from the only One we should be looking at. True, we are commanded to watch at least a few times in the Bible. Matthew 24 and 25 tells us to be on the alert. As does Luke 21 and Mark 13. We are to watch and be aware of what's going on around us. That's just common sense.

But when we start focusing on the storm, whether it be personal, national, or global, and start worrying about it, our focus has shifted off of Jesus. We have given that storm authority over us. We forget that God is in control. Even though it isn't, we act like that storm is now in control. Because it is immediate, and it may be turning our lives upside down. The storm begs for your attention, and often, we lose sight of the forest for that one big monstrous tree.

What to do?

Do I have the perfect solution to keeping your eyes on Jesus at all times? I'm afraid not, my friends. And I think we'd be hard-pressed to find someone who does. Sometimes, I'll catch the shift in focus right away. And other times, I'm in pretty deep before I realize what's going on. But, I can share with you some practical things I do. Again, please don't think I'm perfect in this, because just like everyone else, I am a work in progress.

Pray

There is nothing keeping us from talking to God anytime, anywhere! In the scripture above, Peter cried out 3 words. And I'm sure he didn't take the time to bow his head, close his eyes, and fold his hands. Those are all great things to do to show reverence, but they are not absolutely necessary in order for God to hear our prayers.

Pray for situations and people that need it (including yourself!), and don't be afraid to ask others to pray. And then give the situation to God, trust Him with it. Easier said than done, I know! And I have no clear-cut solution to this. But I do believe that with persistent prayer, God can shift our focus back to where it needs to be and give us peace. Even if the storm continues to swirl around us.

Read

Don't neglect your daily time in the Word. Too many times, I have been guilty of this, letting the worries of life and the world distract me into being "too busy" to really sit down and read my Bible. When I'm stressed out with the cares of life, I have to really focus and be intentional about this practice. But, it has never failed me yet. When I take the time and read what God has to say, even with unresolved situations, my soul is more peaceful.

Gather

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
~Hebrews 10:24-25

Make sure you don't neglect spending time with other believers. We need good friends who are good Christians. We need to be in each other's lives to exhort, encourage, comfort, and pray for one another. Friends who will remind us of God's promises when we lose sight of them. Who will lead us back to the right path when we go astray.

Take Heart

I just want to add here, it is okay and normal to feel fear, sadness, even worry and anger when certain situations happen. But to settle in to that feeling and become a slave to it, God does not want that for His children! If you are feeling stuck, seek the help of a trusted pastor or counselor.

God is in control! Be aware of what's going on around you, but don't ruminate on those storms. Keep your eyes on Jesus, trust that He is in control, and that He loves you, His child.