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!”— Matthew 14:28–30 NLT
I don’t like driving in the dark but during the winter months, it is just inevitable. I get distracted by the bright lights of other cars (like a fly being drawn to honey) that I have to force myself to focus on my lane to avoid any mishaps.
Life can also distract from the reality of God’s truth. These days the worth and happiness of life are based on the shining things that the world dangles before us in adverts we find everywhere. These adverts on billboards, televisions, online and radio imply that life is better, happier and worth living with the possession of the products they are advertising. The truth – it’s all an illusion! They are distractions from what really matters in life.
Peter was in a similar position, he even asked to walk on the water like Jesus, but he lost his focus with everything happening around him. Does that sound familiar? No matter what is happening around us, we can trust God to rescue us. “And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” Matthew 14:31–32 (NLT)
So, how can we stay focused as Christians? I hear you ask.
By trusting and not doubting God’s Word. By staying daily in His word and allowing the Holy Spirit constantly to be our guide. And being in fellowship with other believers.
In Psalm 73, the psalmist was distracted by the activities of the wicked, they seemed to be getting away with all sorts of atrocities. And he wondered if there was any point in trusting God and being a righteous person.
As believers, we can feel like that sometimes especially when we see what others get away with around us. However, being in the presence of God will always bring things back to their true perspective.
“Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.” Psalm 73:17–18 (NLT)
Further on he says:
“I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” Psalm 73:22–24 (NLT)
Also, during this Christmas season, let’s not get distracted with the celebrating, and buying of presents. But let’s focus on the real reason for celebrating at this time which is Jesus Christ – Immanuel, God with us.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 