Above The Waves

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

He took his eyes off You.

Peter. When he set shaky legs on the liquid walkway between the boat and You. He snuck a peak at the power surge of storm surrounding him, felt the flow of wave beneath. And then he balked.

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!” (Matthew 14:29-30)

He strayed his eyes from Your sure figure and set his sights to circumstance, peels the skin of his humanity. And so of course he starts to sink—when it becomes all about situation and himself.

If the rough fisherman only would have fixed his gaze and thoughts on You… for You are our firm line, the anchor that sets us straight. Without worry, without fear; comforted in complete trust.

But I cannot cast stones. I, too, am like this man. I drop my eyes to my feet, look at the uneven ground beneath me, feel it tremble and quake. I keep my head down, but You stare straight to me. Imploring me to keep steady and trust. You protect me, You go before me, You make my sail secure.

How often do I fumble my way through the waves, swallow sting of salt and gargle out, “Lord, save me!”? The only reason I start to sink is because I hold my worry like a buoy when it only bobs me upside down.

Don’t stray your eyes. He is coming in the storm, in the sweep of worry. He is here.

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What a joy to have a piece in Clayjar Review’s latest issue, A Far-Off Country! Thanks to Alexandra for giving my words a home, and for Clayjar Review, “A Christian literary journal dedicated to publishing words of life.”

Read more at Clayjar Review!