Are You Out of Focus?

The disciples worked feverishly to steady their boat as the fierce wind and heavy waves of the Sea of Galilee pitched them about. But their fear of the storm was nothing compared to the fear of the ghost they now saw. “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!” Jesus called out to them walking on the water.

Peter, brash as always, yelled out, "Lord, if that’s really you, tell me to come to You."

"Yes, come," Christ answered.

Peter thrust his legs over the side of the boat and lowered his body to the water. His eyes fixed on Christ, he strode forward with confidence. This is amazing, Peter thought. But when he looked at the storm whipping around him, he became terrified and began to sink.

You may say "Peter, why did you take your eyes off Christ? It was your faith in Him that kept you afloat." But how often do we take our eyes off Christ when the storm is raging around us? Our troubles are easy to see—layoffs, terrorism, stress at work, the daily responsibilities of marriage and kids. Fear fills us if we focus on the wind and the waves. But if we focus on Christ and his promises we find peace in the midst of the storm.

Where are your thoughts focused? Be conscious of what you are thinking! That’s where the battle begins. Spend time each day to bring your thoughts back into focus. 

• Start or end your day with a devotional reading
• Meditate on a Bible verse
• Read your affirmations
• If you need immediate help, take 30 seconds, take a deep cleansing breath, and tell yourself “God is with me. I can do all things because Christ is here to help me.”

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV).

Debra L. Butterfield © 2010