I've often had the thought, "What if I only said what God says about my life, my situation, and my future?" How differently would I talk and think when faced with challenges and throughout my day?
When we aren't filling our hearts and minds with God's word and His way of doing things, we can easily stumble and struggle in our believing and trust that everything is going to be alright. We can struggle to believe that God is in control and will protect, guide, and direct our steps. Instead, we start looking at the" storm" and its potential and ability to harm us.
Some friends of Jesus were once faced with such a dilemma. They found themselves in a fishing boat in the middle of a large lake when a violent storm erupted. Many of these men were long-term fishermen, used to the water and its capabilities. Yet we read that even they were terrified at the storm's ferocity, fearing they were all going to drown. Jesus, however, was resting peacefully in the back of the boat. (Luke 8:22-25)
"Getting to his feet, he told the wind, "Silence! and the waves, "Quiet down!" They did it. The lake became smooth as glass. Then he said to his disciples, "Why can't you trust me?" (v24)
When we constantly look at the "storm," we too will become afraid and doubting. We listen to the news reports, other people, and the circumstances around us, and we do just as the disciples in the boat did. We believe and listen to the noise of the "storm" and forget who is with us.
That Jesus is with us. Jesus reprimanded the disciples for their fear and lack of faith. He expected them to do exactly what he had done; to stand up in the midst of the wind and the rain, with the waves crashing into the boat and command the storm to be silent and still!
He still expects all who believe and follow Him to do the same. To stand up in the face of our fears, our struggles, finances, health, relationships, work and any other internal or external battle, and speak and take authority over it all. But we won't be able to talk and walk in that authority if we don't heed what we are storing in our hearts, what we are listening to, and what we are looking at.
Jesus said, "if you make yourselves at home with me and my words at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon" (John 15:7-8 The Message)
"Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea," and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them." (Mark 11:23 NIV)
Today look at what God says in His word about your life and situation. Search out His promises regarding what you are facing. Our family says, "there is a song for every occasion." There is also a word from God for every occasion too.
Don't look at the storm. Look to God and what He says about your life. Store his promises in your heart, and then see the difference only speaking and believing what He says about your life and future makes.
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears". (Psalm 34:4)
Prayer: Lord, today I choose to look at what you say in your word regarding my life. I want you and what you say, "in my boat" because then I don't have to worry or even look at the "storm". Help me to keep my eyes and heart firmly fixed on you today. In Jesus name Amen.