Is the world (still) feeling uncertain to you? Did you, like me, think we’d be back to “normal” by now – after the Presidential election, when COVID numbers declined, etc.? Years ago, Patsy Clairmont wrote Normal is Just a Setting on Your Dryer, and that sentiment is as spot on as ever. Everything’s fine when I’m with family or friends, but if I scroll social media or read the news, I find myself wondering how we’ve lost our way so badly.
On one hand, it’s November! It’s a month that brings with it autumn’s incredible beauty, crisp, clear skies, cozy sweaters, college football, and pumpkin-spiced, well, everything. It’s a lovely season for expressing our gratitude, counting blessings, and gathering family and friends.
On the other hand, it feels like we’re a culture in chaos with circumstances out of our control. COVID changed the way we live. The state of politics in our country seems like two parties have been dropped into a centrifuge, then spun and slung to their extremes. It’s so loud at those edges that all the noise seems to be rendering people deaf from any opinion that doesn’t already align with their own.
What are we to do when our world no longer makes sense? What are those who follow Jesus to do?
I believe an old refrain holds the key:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
A while back, I had the sweet privilege of serving women in my area as a leader for a community Bible study. Every week before our class met, the leadership team showed up early to pray, go over announcements, and walk through the day’s lesson. But before any of that took place, we began our morning by singing this familiar chorus. It was effective. The things of earth – never-ending to-do lists, looming work deadlines, disagreements among friends, challenges with children, an argument with your spouse, health concerns, financial pressures, the chatter and clatter of politics, even some of our anxieties and feeling not enough – grew strangely dim.
The worries of the world wither under the blaze of God’s glory. When Jesus becomes our primary concern, everything else becomes secondary.
We see a perfect demonstration of this in Matthew 14 in an exchange between Jesus and Peter, His beloved friend and one of the twelve disciples. Following a miracle feast, Jesus sends His disciples ahead of Him by boat while He retreats to a mountain to pray. By the time Jesus travels to catch up with them, they are already a good ways out, their boat beaten and battered by the wind and waves.
In this familiar account, Jesus makes His way toward them by walking on water (Can we please take a moment to marvel at this together? Let’s not allow familiarity to dull us to the wonder of a miracle!). Jesus quickly identifies Himself and offers assurance to His terrified friends. Then, in a bold gesture, Peter asks to join Him. Jesus’s response?
“Come.”
If this story is new to you, Peter starts off just fine. He’s fully focused on Jesus. But the second Peter’s attention shifts from Jesus to his circumstances, fear creeps in and he begins to sink. Immediately, Peter calls out to Jesus to save him, and immediately, Jesus does.
Think how this plays out in your own life. Are the “winds” of the world swirling in your mind and carrying you out in a sea of anxiety, disappointment, or despair? Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Do you worry that circumstances are simmering and seething and have finally reached a boiling point (personally or otherwise)? Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
When we focus on Jesus instead of circumstances, our circumstances may not change, but we sure do.
This calls to mind what we read in Romans 12:2 in the New Living Translation:
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person
by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know God’s will for you,
which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Transformation is accomplished by first changing the way we think.
I know what it’s like to wander around and feel lost, to wrestle in a sea of doubt, to question beliefs you once held dear. And while I don’t know what’s going on with you personally, I know all of us are affected by what’s going on in the world.
How can we possibly handle it? We can’t. We aren’t even supposed to — that’s why we have a Savior! Isn’t this liberating?
Since we’re forgetters, let’s remind one another that the gospel is good news. When we are mindful of who God is and what He has already accomplished in our lives and in our world, when we trust that He is good and loves us without condition, when we study His Word, claim His promises, and accept the forgiveness He offers, when we believe that He actually holds the whole world in His hands, when we turn our eyes upon Jesus, we will find peace.
To me, focusing on Jesus isn’t just one way we can best handle a world that feels crazy. It’s the only way.
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Robin,
I so needed this post this morning. I am feeling so disillusioned by what is going on in our world. It’s like standing and watching a train wreck in slow motion happen right in front of me. It’s as if this crazy world is the water that stands between me and Jesus. He is beckoning me to come to Him, yet I must step out of what has been my comfortable boat. I have to totally trust that He has me, no matter what the evil waves in the water may suggest. Only by casting my gaze upon Jesus and reaching out to grasp His righteous right hand can I even begin to believe I can walk “on” the water and not be engulfed in it. I know I will be singing and humming this wonderful hymn today…and the next day so that I can keep my eyes focused on Him, lest I look away and drown. Beautiful my friend!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, I know you know I wrote this weeks ago, and yet it wasn’t hard to imagine that we’d be in the position we’re in today (though I wouldn’t have been upset to be wrong!). I’m thankful that the truth of God, who He is and what He’s accomplished in and through Jesus, hasn’t changed and doesn’t change. We CAN rest in Him, but we can also fight His rest. I want to surrender so I can receive EVERY thing He offers, ya know? (easier said than done…)
Thank you for sharing your heart this morning.
Good morning Robin. This is a beautiful reminder about focusing on Jesus. This year, I have made it apriority to saturate myself in God’s word. The peace of mind I have cannot be fully described. I have acknowledged all of what 2020 has brought but I will not allow my heart, mind or soul to bow down to it. I will continue to keep my gaze fixed on Jesus who loves me beyond words. I am fired up for this day and thank you for getting me on my way. God bless you!
Yes!! Saturating ourselves in God’s Word DOES bring a supernatural peace! In it we can know Jesus, the Prince of Peace. No doubt, anchoring yourself to truth has buoyed you despite turbulent waters :).
May God bless and keep us each and everyday. Though the winds blow, the storms come we find a peace in knowing Christ. Sharing Christ with friends in our actions our home and more just feels great and right in this crazy undone year! Thank you for reminding us to KEEP OUR FOCUS. Keep our focus on Christ.
Carmen, it is my joy to remind forgetters like me of what we have in Christ. Blessings to YOU today!
Thank you for this wonderful post. Trusting in God every minute of every day to sustain us~
<3
My prayer in these days of crazy has been, “I don’t want to waste this…Show me what I need to see!”
Yes! What a simple but powerful prayer, Michele! God longs to show us HIMSELF, if only we bother to ask, seek, look, to Him :).
Amen, thank you for this morning devotional.
You’re welcome :).
Thank You, Lord, for Your reminders through loving and obedient servants. How I needed to hear this again. How I “think” I know and remember, but I really don’t bring the message and lessons to the forefront where they belong in my thinking, decision making, choices, reactions, and minute-by-minute living. How You always know!! In Jesus Precious and Loving Name, I praise Him and shout Amen and Amen!
Yes! Praise God for the incredible work of the Holy Spirit in and through His children! 🙂
Wise words, Robin! Thank you!
{{Irene<3}}
Love this reading this morning! Perfect! Thank you
Kristie,
We’re GLAD you’re part of our (in)community!
I wanted to thank you for your post, ” How To Best Handle a World That Feels Crazy.”
I was feeling happy and upbeat, excited about the elections, until the morning after.
I think I know how the disciples felt after Jesus, their teacher, their friend, was crucified. Lost, confused, fearful of the future.
All of a sudden I couldn’t see ahead, I couldn’t focus.
“The winds of the world swirling.”
“A world that doesn’t make sense anymore.”
Thank you for bringing my emotions into focus with this inspiring & encouraging article.
As you wrote… we are “Forgetters.”
I was reminded, no matter what happens God is still in control and I am able to change the way I think…. to focus on Jesus… not my circumstances.
Shifting our focus to Jesus really does change everything else; perception is our reality, and if we perceive HIM above all else, we’re empowered to see our circumstances in new light. What a gift.
I think I need to play that hymn on repeat. Such good words for today. Thank you, friend. xx
Becky,
It’s funny…I think you might know that I have sleep issues; I’ve found myself humming this in my mind when I wake up through the night. It’s amazing the calm it can bring :). xo
I woke up singing that song this morning!
What a sweet Godwink!
Robin we can be the best we can. We can be all that Jesus want us to be. Be the light in this world. To those that are hurting. Those that don’t know what way to turn especially in these days even more so if not saved. They don’t know if they will see the light at end of the tunnel they are in. They can be panking and worrying what is round the corner. Like will they have a job for much longer to pay their bills will things get much worse with Covid 19. People like this they do nothing but worry all the time. We the saved have to show them their is hope there is light at end of tunnel. Be a friend to people like that if we can. Show them the Love Jesus if we can to them. Pray with them if we can. They might not let us. Just stop and listen to them if they will let you and you gain their trust and why they feel the way they do. Plus Why they are always worrying over all things they worry about. If they trust us. Tell them Jesus Love them he will take care of them. They have the best friend of all. Like this song. You get on YouTube. One day at time. It is called. Here is some of the words. I’m only human, I’m just a woman Help me believe in what I could be and all that I am show me the stairway, I have to climb. Lord for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time.
One day at time sweet Jesus That’s all I’m asking from you. Just give me the strength To do everyday what I have to do. Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus and tomorrow may never be mine. Lord help me today, show me the way One day at time.
There are other verses in the song. So this song say it all we can ask Jesus. Especially if saved to help us take one day at time. To give us strength to what we need to do to please Jesus. To help others in these days that need our help. Especially if we are saved. To those that don’t know Jesus. To show them the love of Jesus in us. That they don’t need to worry. That they have a hope and they are Loved. They are special. Because Jesus Love them. We if they trust us can hope they see Jesus in us. That they Hand all their worries over to Jesus. Then if they need help we might be able to lead them to go get help. But if they really trust tell them we will keep them in prayer. Hopefully they if not saved will see Jesus in us. Want what we have Jesus as well. Thank you for another excellent reading. Love you all in incourage Love Dawn Ferguson-Little xxxxx
Lots to think about in your words, Dawn :). You’ve been a faithful (in)reader (and commenter!) for a long, long time!
Thank you Robin for a wonderful message in closing a “crazy week” Jesus is indeed the only way…
Can I get a halleluiah \0/
AND an AMEN! 🙂
Thank you so much for this timely message. I am often discouraged these days. Not only for the state of the country but as I am personally overwhelmed with things since my father passed away in August. Trying to deal with settling the estate and cleaning out his house leaves my mind and spirits numb some days. Then the media and the problems of our country and the election have my blood pressure up so high that I wonder if it’s possible for our country to move forward in peace and unity. Reminding me of that hymn is the perfect thing I needed. I need to hold on to that–that the things of this world will fade away in the face of his grace. Thank you, Judy
Judy, Losing a parent is HARD even without Covid and all the other things in our world right now…my sympathies, sweet one. At times like this, clinging to Jesus is all I know to do. I’m praying for you this morning. xo
Robin,
This has been a super crazy year for sure. It can be easy to get caught up in all the craziness & worry. Life as we know it has forever changed. We have an RN shortage, to many Covid cases, etc. Makes work & life tough. But God knew all this would happen. None of this surprises Him. We have to trust in Him. Turn our eyes off this world & the noise & turn back to God. Now more than ever we should turn our eyes upon Jesus. Lately I’ve done just that. Soaking up as much of Jesus & His goodness as I can. There is little to no stress in my life even with all this going on. While we watch the train wreck ahead of us. We can trust God who controls the whole story. Thanks for a great inspiring post.
Blessings 🙂
I love that old chorus too; it’s a perfect soundtrack to play in our heads as we navigate these uncertain times. Also greatly appreciate this line, Robin: “The worries of the world wither under the blaze of God’s glory.” Indeed, He IS ablaze with glorious attributes! Even more astounding, he pours out those attributes into our lives. That includes the supernatural strength and perseverance that may be needed should we enter the final, difficult stages of end times. But we WILL be victorious because of our loving Savior. And yes, that is very liberating!
Thanks for the reminder of that lovely refrain, I too am a “forgeterer” but thanks be to God that He knows our human faults and loves us just the same. It has helped to keep my spirits calm while God is answering prayers.