Sucked in by the Sea of Self
Here's a thought, scripture, and prayer to guide us.
Thought:
The sea in the Bible is symbolic for the darkness of self/sin, of chaos, disorder, destruction, and the abyss. Peter had enough faith to step out of the boat onto the abysmal waters of illogical fright, but his shaky faith waned when his eyes fixed on his circumstances, not Christ. Our faith foundation might be strong within our own minds, however when circumstances rise up to wade in all around us, that foundation quickly crumbles because our eyes focus on the circumstances rather than Christ. We all do this. How do we remain fixed on Christ when the chaos waters want nothing more than to suck us under because we idolize a life of self-preservation? How will we keep our eyes locked on Christ despite our circumstances— no matter how devastating they might be— as the waves try to drown us in the sea?
Scripture:
“Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.” (Matthew 14:27-30 NLT)
Prayer:
Father God- Give us the courage to walk on the sea because we see you and keep our eyes locked on Christ. This means we must give up and surrender our idol of self and all the things about our self that we hold onto. We often live out a desire to control the situations around us and the circumstances of our life because, if we’re honest, we fear not having control. When we operate outside the narrative we have envisioned within the box of our own mind, it makes us uncomfortable. So we remain clutched to our circumstances. That box and that our narrative are idols. Righteous Father help us surrender more to you, release our self, all idols, and remain walking with our eyes on Christ. In Jesus name amen.
God bless you and go get after it!
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