First Concern

 In Matthew 14 we learn that Jesus’ disciples were in a boat, crossing a lake during a strong storm. As the sun began to dawn they saw Jesus walking toward them on the surface of the lake and they were terrified, thinking Jesus to be a ghost. But Jesus said to them, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Peter then replied, “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus told Peter to come to Him and Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But then Peter’s attention was diverted to the wind and he became afraid and began to sink into the stormy waters. Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!”  and immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.

This week I have been thinking a lot about the last three verses of Matthew 6. In these verses Jesus instructs us not to worry about what we will eat, drink, or wear (this not being an exhaustive list, but representative of the things of this world that may concern us). Jesus says we should not worry about these things because our God knows what is best for us. Then Jesus concludes by saying that we should seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these other things will be added unto us. So, in the midst of struggles with finances, in an argument with a friend, when I am sick or injured, unemployed or homeless, I must always make my primary concern the relationship I have with God.

How might the passage of the disciples in the boat be different if Peter’s focus never left Jesus and he didn't wander into fear of the storm and rough waters? But even if we, like Peter, become distracted by the storms of this world we can cry out to God to save us and He will reach out His hand to catch us.