Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him.

Matthew 14:29-31

This has been an unsettling week, hasn’t it? Every day this week, the COVID-19 pandemic has dominated the news and probably our thoughts and conversations, too. And I suspect that I am not the only one who feels an underlying anxiety that is getting harder and harder to ignore. And not being able to watch events like the ACC Tournament and March Madness makes it even more difficult to escape all of this. 

So, here is what I am reminding myself to do: Keep my eyes on Jesus. In the story of Jesus walking on the water in Matthew 14, it was Peter who forgot this. When he saw Jesus walking toward the boat on the water, he said to Jesus: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” (Now, to give Peter credit here, I don’t think I would have even considered making that request!) Jesus said to Peter, “Come,” and Peter did. And he was walking on water! Until he noticed the strong wind. He took his eyes off of Jesus. He became frightened, and began to sink. But even then, when he prayed in desperation, “Lord, save me!,” Jesus did. 

We are in the midst of a storm right now, and it is easy to get so caught up in the news and events taking place that we take our eyes off of Jesus. So I encourage you to limit your exposure to the news, if it is taking your eyes off of Jesus, and spend a little more time with scripture and in prayer. Go for a walk. Get out in nature. Listen to relaxing music. Read a good book. Spend time with family. Do all those things that feed your soul. Take care of yourself, and those you love, and trust that God is with us in this storm.