When you go down and you have to look up for the answer that is when Love is training us. That is something I have learned from a whole lot of hurt and I have seen it from so many people and places. If you are in pain while you are reading this when you are ready to cry out Love will listen and He will be there.

 

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “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. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.” – Matthew 14:23-32

 

I believe Jesus meditated and for me that is a huge source of strength. When the Bible says Jesus went away from the crowd to “pray” I believe He very likely was meditating during some of that time. This is in part what I believe the Bible is saying when it says “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Meditation teaches focus and more importantly meditating on passages of scripture have radically changed my walk with Christ.

 

The focus or the ability to lose it is common especially today and especially in a relationship with Christ. This is a big part of why I believe Paul said “I will not be mastered by any.” Yes all things are lawful but if something takes our attention off of Love then is it really profitable?

 

Could it be that sometimes we need to remember that or be reminded of this idea?

 

Jesus was walking on some very rough water toward the disciples who were in a fishing boat on the lake in the same rough sea. Jesus after calming them down was asked by Peter if he (Peter) could come out to Him by walking on the water to Him. I like what Peter said here; “Lord if its you tell me to come to you on the water.”

 

Jesus did tell Peter to “Come” and my mental picture here is Jesus with a big smile like a father watching their child’s first steps. Peter made a few steps but then he lost focus on Love.

 

Fear made him think about the impossibilities around him instead of the possibilities with Him (Jesus).

 

Immediately Jesus helped Peter after he cried out or realized that he had made his focus fear. Once they both got in the boat a second victory was had as everyone said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

 

Two victories for one sinking I would call that a very successful day! First Peter realized he needed to keep his eyes on Jesus if he is to walk in Love and second the men on the boat realized yet again that Jesus was the one and only Son of God.

 

Would you like to develop some strength and still some waters in your life today? How about start a meditation practice on scripture?

 

Sit in a quiet place and at a time when you probably will not be disturbed. Close your eyes and breathe normally and deeply a few times to relax.

 

Now after a few breathes when you breathe in say to yourself:

Be still and know

 

And when you breathe out:

That I am God

 

When you do this picture God on His thrown and see Him as all powerful and able to take care of your every need.

 

After a few minutes of this continue by doing this one- Breath in and say to yourself:

Take courage! It is I.”

 

And breathe out saying,

Don’t be afraid!

 

When you do this picture Jesus looking into your eyes as he keeps you from sinking in the trouble you face at this moment.

 

Remember this moment was known about by God and planned just for you so that you could become more loving and therefore be more like Him.

 

You can do this with any picture but the main thing is that you find a scripture that brings hope and courage to you and you allow the picture to bring you the knowledge that God is Love and HE LOVES YOU SO VERY MUCH!

 

Don’t worry be Grace-Full!