S - Psalm 46:1-3; James 3:13, 17-18 (NLT): "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! … If you are wise and understand God's ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! … But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness."
O - At some point God's ways involve risk, a danger which is very real and lethal, a trouble which is enormous. It is at such times God is ready to help. The threat is real and so is God. We are called to turn away from the fear inspired by the circumstance and turn into the fear (the wholesome dread of displeasing the one you love) inspired by his person, character, promises and power. Let the threat be whatever it is and do whatever it does … God is God and he is not only near he is ready to help. Since such undesirable situations are unavoidable for all who walk in his ways, what should our response be after we've asked for help? A life of steady goodness embracing, engaging and reflecting the wisdom which is from above since our help comes from the same place - and he is purposeful in everything he causes and in everything he allows. When the heat is turned up full, when the pressure is at its peak and the future is obscured and doubtful the followers of Jesus are called to steady goodness day by day based upon the fierce personal loyalty he gives and deserves ... and nothing is too difficult, nothing is impossible, nothing is too wonderful for him.
A - Like Peter, I am very willing to get out of the boat. Like Peter I am out of the boat and like Peter my attention shifts far too easily from Jesus to the winds and the waves. In this current adventure unto new wineskins I have sunk many times and been lifted up one time more than I have slipped beneath the waves. It seems that this is a prolonged walk upon the water and getting back into the boat is delayed. This is bad news for my weak and easily distracted self. The good news is I am out of the boat and out where Jesus does his "Jesusing" and this is really the best place to be, winds and waves included. My assignment is not to address the dynamic and threating forces swirling around me. My assignment is to keep my focus on Jesus and walk out, on the water, the steady goodness which reflects his wisdom and expresses the trust he deserves. When I fear the Lord I never have to be afraid.
P - Lord for whom nothing is too wonderful,
Thank you for this day and my assignment in it. Thank you for calling me out of the boat and for letting me walk on the water with you. I admit I have lost my focus so many times over this protracted stroll. I also admit that you have always lifted me back up out of the waters and kept me near. Lord, I want to live out loud the steady goodness which flows from your person into your kingdom, into your people and then out into the entire world. I acknowledge that out here there is no middle ground and your purpose has nothing to do with sink or swim. It is walking with you on the water - no swimming this time. Lord, I'd like to stop sinking … help me keep my focus where it belongs. Thank you for not assigning me to deal with the winds and the waves but with you. Lord, though my humanity longs to get back in the boat, my spirit soars to be with you on the water. Lead on Great King and only True Friend, Lord I believe thank you for helping my unbelief. I yield to your awesome brilliance, limitless power and extreme goodness. Lord, I do love you back.
Steve
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