February Hope Breathers

As Peter fixed his eyes on Jesus, he walked on the water towards Him. But then his eyes lost their focus and all he saw were the roaring waves surrounding him, ready to swallow him up. And he sank in fear… He cried out, “Save me, Lord! ” (Matthew 14:22-34)

Jesus graciously stretched out His hand and rescued him. Even though he doubted. And He will do the same for us, even when we become faint of heart. Jesus never holds our lack of trust against us. He rescues us anyway.

All the chaos and pain in this world can be overwhelming. Every moment is uncertain, and we can tremble for what will happen next. All we can do is to take one small step at a time. Small steps of faith, not without fear, but in spite of fear. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Sometimes we will slip and slide and fall wounded. Sometimes fear sinks us. In desperation, we cry out for help. Jesus always hears us in the deepest way. He already knows every part of each of our stories. He knows our insecurities and what triggers us to panic. He is always ready to give us His full, undivided attention. He reaches out with compassion for the hurting, for those overwhelmed by pain and sinking in the storms of life. He reaches down and longs for us to take His hand. Pulling us up and reviving us with His life-giving hope. Again and again.

When the storms of life flood our hearts
Pulling us down, down, down
Sinking us into the depths of despair
Where our courage crashes
And our breath is cut off
And we think all hope is lost
Give us grace, O Lord,
To fix our eyes only on You
To grab onto Your faithfulness
To Your hand ever reaching out to us
Breathe Your life-giving breath
Into our fainting hearts
Revive our sinking spirits
To hope in You alone
Help us, Lord, as we walk this journey
To keep a firm hold onto Your hand
Your loving and compassionate hand
That we may walk on the water with You
Until we reach the safe shore of eternity

“If God hadn’t been there for me,
I never would have made it.
The minute I said, ‘I’m slipping, I’m falling,’
Your love, GOD, took hold and held me fast.
When I was upset and beside myself,
You calmed me down and cheered me up.”
Psalm 94:17-19 MSG

“That’s right. Because I, your GOD,
have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go.
I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic.
I’m right here to help you.’”
Isaiah 41:13 MSG

“When struck by fear, I let go,
depending securely upon You alone.”
Psalm 56:3 VOICE

“Waves are rising.
Fear is knocking at my door.
I hear the wind.
My heart is shaking.
Faith feels fragile.
Hope feels torn.
Then a voice cuts through the darkness,
calling softly through the storm.
Do not fear. I am with you.
Lift your eyes. You’re not alone.
Every step feels so uncertain.
Every doubt is screaming loud.
But I fix my eyes on Jesus…”