Asaph’s spirits lifted when he began to recount God’s past wonders on his and Israel’s behalf. He needed to view his current struggles in light of God’s history of compassion and deliverance. Then he could encourage himself that God was indeed up to something good… again.
We should face our storms head on. When we turn sideways or retreat, we are liable to get swamped by waves of burdens, worries and fears.
Peter's mistake was he focused on the wind and waves and took his eyes off Jesus.
Our best path is to not wedge Him into our little dream house with the white picket fence on Easy Street, but to bow before Him, and listen to His Words.
We can’t prevent doubts and fears from popping into our thoughts, especially when we're going through a major crisis like fighting cancer. Yet we are not victims - we do not have to give in to destructive voices.
The instinct to survive is good in itself, but an obsession with living can expose our soul to perhaps the most destructive fear – the fear of death.
We may feel out of control, but that does not mean He is.
Ultimately, we will drift on crystal smooth and peaceful waters, but we don’t have to wait for heaven to enjoy serenity.
Still, there is a difference between activity driven by fear, and the restful steps of one who knows the “Lord of Hosts” is on his or her side.
If you could magically remove all struggles from the earth, would you?