And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.”
Matthew 14:25-31
O Ye of Little Faith
You want to walk on water
but doubts cast you into the sea
the fear that sits inside of you
throws shadows on your belief.
The road that lies ahead
seems more than you can bear
the question you must ask yourself
is if you truly dare?
You keep seeking a sign for truth
Nail scarred hands and spears pierced side
But your Savior stands right here
Ready to stretch His arms out wide.
So lift your eyes to Jesus
never doubting, cease to fear
focus and breathe His name
the One who goes before you
He will calm your stormy waves.
~Marcell Warner Bridges
©1 March 2015
As we approached the curves in the highway my knuckles began to turn white as I gripped the steering wheel trying not to let panic overtake me. Driving on the highway is hard enough for me but curvy roads can make me sick.
Such was the case last weekend as Nan and I traveled back down the mountain from the writers conference we had attended. I turned my head and said, “Okay Nan! Start talking!” (Talking to me while I’m driving is the best thing for me). Instead she said, “How about if I sing to you?”
So she began to sing:
Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. You can have all this world but give me Jesus. *
I immediately began to calm down and my hands relaxed on the wheel. I listened while she sang through each verse and the chorus and truly I wanted to cry but crying and driving don’t go well together.
Then we sang together:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. There’s just something about that name. Master, Savior, Jesus. Like a fragrance after the rain. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Let all heaven and earth proclaim! Kings and kingdoms will all pass away but there’s just something about that Name.**
By the time we finished that song we were at the bottom of the curves and I had survived one of my biggest fears.
Focusing on our fears instead of Jesus only causes us sorrow. When we focus on our fears we are focusing on ourselves, on our wants, our problems. But when we set our eyes on Jesus we can feel His calm assurance and presence. We find an underlying peace that only exists in the presence of God.
Have you ever had a time when you were in a fearful, stormy situation but as you focused your eyes on Jesus you felt His peace? I’d love to hear your stories. Please share them with me in the comment section below.
*”Give Me Jesus” a negro spiritual sung by Fernando Ortego & also Jeremy Camp
**”There’s Just Something About That Name” Bill/Gloria Gaither
© Heart Thoughts, Marcie Bridges, 2015
Thanks for writing this for me today, Marcie!
Blessings to you today and this week as you focus on Him and His boundless love for you Norma. 🙂
Marcie girl!! What a sweet surprise. Thank you. I've actually revisited this moment several times myself. What a wonderful time of worship we had. I love you.
It was a sweet time. Thank you for blessing me with your songs, encouragement, and your presence in that car. I couldn't have done it without you and God. I love you too.