“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” (Psalm 24:1-2)
Where have you been lately? I personally have been on a tumultuous journey, not only in life circumstances but literally as well. I have traveled almost the length of my country, New Zealand, twice this year by car, which includes a three and a half hour ferry ride between the two islands. I traveled 1309km (813 miles) one way, the ferry ride consists of a 102 kilometer (63 miles) sea journey. Then I did this in reverse. So in total I traveled 2618 kilometers (1626 miles), alone!
The details of the past few months have, for me, included great heartache, loss, and despair coupled with new friendships, new skills and growth in many areas–especially in self-confidence–something I have lacked despite my 40 plus years of maturity! (Not that I am always mature, she writes with a grin).
Within these past months the truth of the scriptures helped me to keep going. The truth that everything is God’s and all things are in His hands has been the catalyst by which my life has remained in a forward momentum. There are times when life just does not seem to make sense. But remembering that God does, sure helps a lot when we face the unknown.
When we take our eyes away from God and remove our trust in His omniscience it may feel, most likely will feel, like the seas have risen and we are drowning! But God, through His son Jesus, has founded us upon His grace and established us upon His mercy, so we are buoyant and held above the circumstance of this life by our faith and trust in God’s son Jesus.
John 14:1 says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me.”
Prayer: Father God when my heart is overwhelmed and my distress in this life causes me to take my eyes off you, gently but assuredly draw me back to your strong and faithful arms. Amen.
About the Author:
Julie Munro lives in New Zealand, her walk with the Lord has been over mountains and through valleys but He has remained her constant support and her ever loving Father.
What does “keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus” entail for you? How do you come to realize you have “looked away”?
Thanks Julie, your image of rising seas had me thinking again of an image that was referred to recently – building our ‘house’ on the firm foundation of Christ so life’s storms don’t bowl us over when they come. After the recent devotion by Lynn about inviting Jesus into our lives (daily, not just for salvation), I got to thinking that I often feel closest to God when I’m sickest. Yet paradoxically, I think that wouldn’t be the case if I don’t work at constructing my ‘house’ on Him during life’s ‘fair weather’.
Julie, I’m so sorry for the deep waters you’ve been going through in recent months. But how good to see that you also have found positive things to thank God for.
How true that it is easy to keep our focus on our troubles, especially when the pain is bad and the frustrations overwhelming. I haven’t thought a lot about it, but it seems to me that it’s when I get scurrying around trying to do all I THINK I must do that my eyes stray from my loving Lord. I may end up in tears or sobbing for long periods when it catches up to me.
What then? Sometimes I find writing about my current thoughts and feelings in my journal helps. It’s like I’m pouring out my heart to God. I then often am able to see the root problem and submit my life once more to Him for guidance and grace. Other times I stop and reflect on His Word and respond accordingly.