7 September 2021

When the ‘shore’ is far away, let’s lift our eyes to Jesus

Posted in SU QLD


“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

When I am overwhelmed, tired, or feeling unwell, I often find it difficult to focus on anything apart from my discomfort. My perspective narrows to the issue I’m facing. I begin to sink beneath waves of depression and anxiety.

In Matthew 14, Jesus sends the disciples ahead of him in a boat to the other side of the lake. It is night; the disciples are ‘a considerable distance from land’ and their boat is ‘buffeted by the waves’ as the winds blow against it.

Shortly before dawn, Jesus approached the disciples walking on the water. But the disciples, focused on their discomfort, do not immediately recognise him. When Jesus tells Peter to come to him on the water, Peter is so distracted by his immediate surroundings and the howling wind that he begins to sink beneath the waves.

It’s only when Peter lifts his eyes to Jesus, cries out and grasps his outstretched hand that Peter’s perspective widens again, and he recognises his security in Jesus.

The ‘shore’ of 2021 is now ‘a considerable distance’ behind us. We may feel ‘buffeted’ by waves of responsibility, ill health, or frustrated plans.

Let’s avoid the temptation to focus on our discomfort and instead, lift our eyes to Jesus: the Maker of heaven and earth.

Sharon Armstrong
North Pine Anglican Church
Youth & Families Ministry Coordinator



Samuel Moore

Digital Media and Communications Coordinator

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