Focus on Jesus Amid the Storm - Carla D Burnette
Are you struggling with a challenging situation and feeling weary, discouraged, anxious, or afraid? In such times, God may reveal signs of His presence to show that He is with you. But we may miss His signs when our mind is focused on our circumstances instead of on Him.
The Snowstorm
My challenging situation occurred as a result of a snowstorm. The storm was forecasted to arrive the day I usually grocery shop. On account of this expected storm, I sensed an urging from the Holy Spirit to shop the day prior to the storm’s arrival . Now I understand why.
With this particular storm, snow and ice lingered for almost a week with temperatures remaining below freezing. Because I live in the south, this caused havoc in an area without the necessary equipment to clear the roads. Schools and businesses were closed. Grocery stores lacked essential foods, since delivery trucks were unable to safely travel here. People were also advised not to venture out on the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Besides feeling trapped at home, my household suffered the loss of electricity for a day. A car skidded off the icy road and slammed into a utility pole, knocking it down. Thus causing a power outage to those living nearby. For us, this meant no heat. We bundled up in heavy blankets and warm coats to bear the bitter cold.
Lastly, our carport collapsed on one side due to the weight of the snow and ice. The structure detached from our house and fell onto a cabinet underneath. This cabinet along with a metal gate post upheld the structure where it collapsed. Otherwise, the carport would have fallen on our van.
In situations like these, we may find ourselves asking, “What is going to happen next?” For we tend to focus on the difficulties we are facing. But what if we focused on Jesus instead of our difficulties?
Keep Our Eyes on Jesus
Looking to the Bible, I am reminded of Peter walking on water amidst a storm in Matthew 14:22-31a (NIV). The disciples were in a boat out on the sea when a storm came. Jesus approached their boat by walking on water. They thought He was a ghost, until Jesus told them not to be afraid. Continuing with the story in verse 28: “‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ He said. 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!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.”
Note in this story that when Peter shifted his eyes from Jesus and onto the wind, he began to sink. We sink too when our eyes are on the storm around us, instead of on Jesus. We may feel overwhelmed by the situation resulting in fear and anxiety. However, like Peter, when we cry out to Jesus, He will reach down, strengthen us and help us through our storm.
May we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, release any fear and anxiety, and choose to trust Him, remembering that He is omnipotent and in complete control.
God Watches Over Us
Scripture also tells us in Psalm 121:2, 7-8, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
I am so thankful for God’s watchful care, aren’t you? Even though verse 8 states “He will keep us from all harm”, this doesn’t mean we will not experience difficulty. For Jesus tells us that in this world we will have trouble, but in Him we have peace (John 16:33).
Let’s draw near to Him, find peace in His presence, and cherish His watchful care regardless of the situation.
In retrospect, I realized how God intervened on our behalf and watched over us during the storm. For example: urging me to grocery shop prior to the storm, losing electricity for just a day, and protecting our van from the collapsing carport.
Not only was He watching over us, but the beauty that resulted from the storm was stunning – the way the sun glistened on the pure white snow, the frozen tree branches encased in solid ice. To my delight, I set off for a walk in our neighborhood to view more of the winter wonderland. My steps were deliberate and painstaking to find secure footing on the icy roads, but well worth the effort to behold all the surroundings covered in crisp, picturesque snow. What beauty I found amid the storm.
No matter what circumstances you are facing, the Lord is right there with you, my friend. His presence is our peace during the storms of this life. Rest in Him knowing that He will strengthen you, help you, and uphold you with His righteous, right hand (Isaiah 41:10b).
Father, Thank You that You are always watching over us. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, knowing that You will see us through any storm. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Ways to Keep our Focus on God
For ideas on how to keep our focus on God, try the following:
- If you record answered prayers in a journal, read through them. It will encourage you to see how God responded, and help you to trust that He will be faithful again.
- Search for Scriptures on God’s faithfulness and His love. Write these verses down and meditate on them.
- Listen to worship music such as “Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns.
Comment below to share ideas of how you stay focused on God during a storm.
Additional Scripture References:
Psalm 46:10a (ESV), “Be still and know that I am God.”
Isaiah 41:10, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Zephaniah 3:17, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.”
Isaiah 26:3-4, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”
