By: Steve Sering

In Matthew’s gospel account, we find the story of Jesus walking on the water. This familiar story is a fascinating look into the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of both fear and faith. In the “fourth watch of the night,” Jesus came to the disciples walking on the raging sea. This would have been between 3-6 AM. The disciples were terrified and thought it was a ghost coming for them! Peter got out of the boat after realizing it was in fact his Lord, Jesus. Fixing his eyes on his Savior, he began to walk on the water. Then he began to look around at the wind and waves crashing all around him and began to sink. Fear sank Peter’s faith until Jesus reached down to rescue him. Pulling him back into the boat, he asked his timid disciple, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:31). It was only when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus that he began to sink.

The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:148, “My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.” Just as the Apostle Peter saw Jesus on the waves, the psalmist’s spiritual eyes were fixed upon the promises of Yahweh. To begin this portion of Scripture, the psalmist cried out, “With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord! I will keep your statutes” (v. 145). A familiar cry, he sought the Lord with all his being. Have you ever cried out to the Lord as your last resort? Instead, we must strive to make this our first response when we are suffering. We are all guilty of this. I certainly am! There have been many times in my life where I have struggled and then cried on the Lord for help. He delights to answer the desperate cries of his children! Just imagine your son or daughter falling and scraping their knee at two years ago. Who do they cry for? Their mom and dad. How much more does our Heavenly Father tend to our needs!? His heart is deep and wide for sinners and sufferers. 

Furthermore, the psalmist calls upon the Lord and cries for help in the morning (v. 146-148). His hope was in the Word of God. The following verse describes his appeal to be heard because of the steadfast love of his Lord. Rejuvenating life was found in the justice of God (v. 149). Enemies will always surround us in our walks with Christ. An intense spiritual battle is waged every day to bring us down. It is the protection of Yahweh that keeps us safe and the power of the Word of God. These enemies surrounded the psalmist but he trusted in the Lord. Finally, the man of God delighted in the fact that God is near to the persecuted (v. 151). His commandments are true and testimonies are sure and eternal (v. 152). What can we learn from this passage? First, we must go to God first when we are suffering in any way. Second, we must keep our eyes on Jesus who is the source of our courage. Third and finally, God’s truth will always lead us home.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you better cry out to Jesus when you are facing hardship?
2. How can you encourage other believers to fix their eyes on their Savior who walks on the water of our troubles?