Yes, It Really Is Only January, But We Will Not Be Shaken Because Our Lifeguard Walks On Water.
Is It Really Only January? What a year 2021 has become in just the first month. We have witnessed events I never dreamed would happen, but here we are.
This week I read a post on social media that stated: “Is anyone else upset that we are reminded how 2020 crushed us every time we mention the current year? 2021 sounds like 2020 won.”
That made me stop and think. Most of the country, or world for that matter, was eagerly awaiting 12.31.2020 to say good riddance to an unbelievable year. We entered 1.1.2021 with eager expectation for better days. Almost thirty days in and, for many, that expectation has turned to anger, fear, hopelessness, disbelief and complete weariness.
The news is screaming at us--
>It is time to begin wearing double masks.
>Prices for medicine will be rising.
>Crazy things are happening with the stock market.
>Troops are occupying Washington, DC.
>Even the My Pillow guy has been banned from Twitter, permanently.
What is happening in our great United States of America? All of this makes me wonder if 2021 came roaring in yelling, “You have seen nothing yet!”
A verse found in Psalms 42:5 keeps playing over and over in my mind. “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
I am confident that we as a country will be able to come together and heal, at some point. What about today, though?
As most of you know, I am working on a children’s book series about the importance of applying the Bible to everyday situations and having fun doing it, titled Zechariah Park.
I am currently working on the second book about Jesus’ miracles. This week I have been immersed in the story of Jesus walking on the water found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and John in the New Testament. I believe this miracle is relevant to us today.
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this miracle, please allow me to recap the story.
The disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, during a storm. They saw something coming across the water and they were frightened.
Jesus told them not to be afraid.
Peter replied to Jesus, if it is really you, let me walk on the water.
Jesus told Peter to come to him, so Peter stepped out of the boat. He could not believe he was walking on the water to Jesus!
Peter took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. Peter yelled for Jesus to save him and Jesus reached out and pulled Peter out of the water.
Peter and Jesus climbed in the boat and the storm stopped. The disciples realized that Jesus was truly the son of God and in control of the winds and waves.
Peter had the courage to step out of the boat and as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was safe. When he became distracted by the storm around him, he began to sink. But even as he became distracted, Jesus reached down and saved him from drowning. That is what I call a true lifeguard.
For me, that sums it all up simply. We are living in unbelievable times, but God is in control. If we will keep our eyes on him, we will be safe, and the storms will not harm us. We must stand firm and be determined to not be shaken by the chaos around us.
No matter what happens with the Corona Virus--
No matter who is in the White House--
No matter which party controls congress--
No matter what happens with the stock market--
No matter how free speech is attacked—
We can put our hope in God. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
This reminds us that God knows exactly what is happening despite what we see around us. Keep your eyes on Jesus and you will not sink.
I love the way the song “We Will Not Be Shaken” reminds us that though the storms rage all around, we will not be shaken for we trust in our God and his unfailing love. The link to listen to this song is below. I hope it is an inspiration for you as well.
We Will Not Be Shaken (Official Lyric Video) - Brian Johnson | We Will Not Be Shaken - YouTube