By Aaron Joseph Hall

When I read the story of Jesus walking on the water and calming the storm, I can’t help but try and picture what that must have been like for the disciples in that boat. I then try and place myself in their shoes (or sandals, really). Would I have been terrified thinking Jesus was a ghost walking on the water? Would I have been brave enough to ask Jesus to call me out of the boat like Peter?

Jesus doesn’t just calm the storms over the sea, He can also calm the storms we walk through in our daily lives. He’s not only King of kings and Lord of lords, He’s also the One the wind and waves must obey. Even if you substitute wind and waves for life’s trials and struggles, the idea here is Jesus is the boss! He’s in complete control!

So, what is the “wind” and “waves” in your life today? If Jesus called you out of the boat like Peter would your eyes be fixated on Him or your situation? 

I like to think my eyes would be glued to Jesus but if I’m honest I’m a lot more like Peter than I probably want to admit. And so, I want to share with you 3 simple, yet powerful ways to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Fixing our eyes on the Sustainer of all things will change your perspective. Your situation may not change but a change of perspective can open the door to incredible faith!

1 - Develop a consistent prayer life

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray constantly” (HCSB). Prayer is also the one thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them in Luke 11:1, “He was praying in a certain place, and when He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples” (HCSB). 

Prayer was important to Jesus and the disciples. Prayer can help keep our focus on Jesus, especially when the wind and waves begin to batter us.

2 - Surround yourself with like-minded believers 

It’s no secret that Christians need community. We see in Acts how the early church was intentional in fellowship: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers” (Acts 2:42 HCSB). 

They were devoted to coming together. We need fellowship but within that fellowship we need brothers or sisters in Christ to keep us accountable. When the wind and waves come, we need those who will remind us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. But not only that we need them to stand with us in life’s hard and difficult seasons. 

3 - Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you daily 

The Christian from the moment of salvation is sealed by the Holy Spirit according to Ephesians 1:13-14: “When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory” (HCSB).

Many seem to think it’s a one and done thing–that we don’t need to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us again. The Apostle Paul tells believers in Ephesians 5:18 to be filled by the Spirit: “And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit” (HCSB).

Having a constant filling of the Holy Spirit will help keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, because the Holy Spirit IS the Spirit of Jesus!

When we live a life devoted to prayer that’s surrounded by our brothers and sisters in Christ to hold us accountable, and ask the Holy Spirit to fill us daily the wind and the waves will be way less worrisome. The Lord may not remove them every time, but if He doesn’t we can be reassured of His presence when our eyes stay fixed on Him!

The Importance of Faith

Faith plays a pivotal role in my life, offering a sense of purpose, hope, and direction while facing the uncertainties of life. The importance of faith extends beyond mere belief; it anchors us in times of turmoil and guides us through the darkest of nights. 

Central to this is my faith in Jesus. As we place our trust in Him, we find the strength to overcome adversity and the courage to face each day with renewed hope and conviction. 

Faith in Jesus empowers us to navigate life's challenges with unwavering confidence, knowing that we are never alone on this journey. Why? Only because of who He is–it has nothing to do with anything we do!

How Can We Fix Our Eyes on Jesus?

 We live in a world filled with distractions, and maintaining our focus on Jesus can be challenging yet is essential for our spiritual growth. So, how do we stay centered on Him amidst life's busyness, challenges, and trials?

Firstly, cultivate a habit of prayer and meditation on His word, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives. When we learn to live in presence, our eyes fixed on Jesus, everything changes!

Secondly, immerse yourself in a supportive Christian community that encourages accountability and spiritual growth, helping to reinforce your commitment to Jesus. The local church matters! So, get plugged in.

Lastly, prioritize regular moments of reflection and worship, where you intentionally refocus your attention on Him, allowing His love and grace to guide your thoughts and actions. Maybe get a journal and begin writing down what you believe the Lord is saying to you.

By intentionally fixing our eyes on Jesus, we align our hearts with His will and experience the transformative power of His presence in our lives.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the story of Jesus calming the storm and walking on water, we are reminded of His sovereignty over both nature and our lives. Just as He calmed the sea, He can calm the storms we face daily. In Jesus, we discover true peace—a kind of calmness that soothes our souls like nothing else can. When we open our hearts to Him, we invite this profound peace to surround us, offering comfort and reassurance in the midst of life's storms.

By keeping our eyes fixed on Him, through prayer, fellowship, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can navigate life's challenges with unwavering faith and confidence. 

Let us embrace the importance of faith in Jesus, trusting in His divine guidance and finding hope in His steadfast love.

Aaron Joseph Hall is a husband, dad, pastor, speaker, and author. His latest book, Redeem the Story, is now available. He writes at AaronJosephHall.com. You can connect with him on X, Instagram, and Facebook.