Again, storms will come. That is a promise of God. What do you do after the storm hits? How do you find your way when all of the markers of your life have vanished? When I first moved back to Oklahoma in 2015 and made new friends it was very common that I would need some directions to wherever we were planning on gathering. A common directional marker that would be given me was to turn where Joe’s old red barn used to be. Even several years later I have no idea who Joe is, nor where this barn used to be, yet people still use this marker. Initially I silently made fun of those people but when giving directions to my house I had gotten in the habit of using a bank as a reference marker, that bank no longer exists. One day I heard myself telling someone to turn where the bank used to be.
We live in a world where we are often lost. Even those within the church who are spiritually saved might not have a quality sense of what direction to go. Storms hit the believer and unbeliever with equal force, but the believer should react differently. Sailors throughout history have looked to the clear night sky to get their bearings. The North Star has given direction to them for generations. You, my friend, must find a North Star. A point that is immovable and steadfast. This is how we discover our direction when the storms of life leave us disoriented and confused. The Word of God is our answer. Each day I wake up and in the foggy morning I want to ensure that I am going in the right direction. I open my journal and I write my North Star. “Well done good and faithful servant.” Those are the words that I long to hear above all others. While many look forward to meeting friends and family that have gone on before them, I only have eyes for Jesus. “Well done good and faithful servant.” That marker reminds me and tells me how to live my life today. If I am to hear those words, I must live a life of obedience.
There are other verses that might help you find direction. Oh, to have a heart like David’s? A reminder that no discipline seems pleasant at the time but leads to righteousness. A reminder that I want to respond like the prophet who said, “Here am I, send me.” All of these can give you a direction for your day. If you want to forge a better life than the discipline of sitting with the Lord and asking Him to show us the verse or passage that will keep you focused on Him is critical.
Peter and several apostles were in boats on a stormy sea. Things were not looking good. Fear overcame their experience and they thought they were doomed. Then in the light of lightening they see a figure walking on the water. They were sure it was a ghost. Now they were certain that life was coming to an end. The stormy sky prohibited their go to marker of the North Star. But then the ghost spoke, “It is I, Jesus.” The apostles were afraid to believe their own eyes. How could it be? Peter, bold as ever, wanted some confirmation that they were not being fooled by some evil spirit so he replied, “If it really is you, let me walk on the water to you.” Jesus gave him permission and Peter walked on the water. His eyes were on Jesus and he was succeeding. Maybe the others felt ashamed because they wished they too could have had this experience. As Peter made his way on the water his success was based on keeping his eyes on Jesus. But the storm was still raging, the waves and wind told him he could not be doing what he was doing. When Peter stopped and looked at the storm and away from Jesus he nearly drowned. Jesus saved him much as he has had to do for all of us. My friend, put your eyes on Jesus and let him take care of the storm.
