Walking on Waves: Experiencing Joy in Difficult Times

Is it possible to experience joy even when your world is crumbling? When the doctor diagnoses you with a serious disease? When someone you love dies? When you lose a job, hit the wall financially, endure mistreatment?

Some people try hiding their heartache behind a mask of happiness. When a friend asks, “How are you doing?” they reply, “Couldn’t be better!” Inside, though, they’re falling apart.

Experiencing joy in difficult times is more than a cover-up scheme. It’s a relational reality. Joy doesn’t depend on the absence of trials but the presence of our Saviour. The reason for our joy is Christ Himself.

Walking on Waves

When your world is falling apart and the storm is raging all around you, keep your eyes on Jesus. That’s what Peter did.

The disciples were in a boat, “fighting heavy waves” in a storm (Matthew 14:24). But then they saw Jesus coming toward them walking on the water! When Jesus called Peter to come to Him, Peter “went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus” (14:29).

It wasn’t Peter’s positive mind-set that kept him afloat. Peter simply fastened his faith to Jesus, who empowered him to walk through the storm. Peter kept on walking . . . until “he saw the strong wind and the waves,” and he became “terrified and began to sink” (14:30). Fear frayed his faith and down went Peter.

But think about it. For those few incredible moments when his eyes were on Jesus, Peter was walking on waves!

Can you imagine his exhilaration, his pure delight, his thrilling freedom as he walked on water as though it were a meadow of green grass? The storm still raged. The waves beat against him and soaked his skin, but he had a smile on his face! He was experiencing joy in the nearness of Christ in the storm.

Jesus, Our Joy

What do you see in Jesus as you look to Him in your storm?

First, you see His compassion. The same pelting rain that stung Peter’s face stung Jesus’ face. He felt what Peter felt. He feels your heartache and pain too. He’s with you on your hospital bed. He holds your hand as they wheel you into surgery. He winces when you hurt, and tears streak down His face when they streak down yours. He truly understands.

Second, you see His sovereignty. Jesus is the master of the storm. He could calm it with a word . . . or He could call you to walk through it. Either way, He has His reasons for doing what He does. You may not understand His ways, but you can trust His heart.

Third, you see His goodness. He’s not cruel. He’s not punitive. He takes no delight in your suffering. Rather, He’s using your trial to draw you near to Him, causing even the hard things “to work together for the good of those who love God” (Romans 8:28).

Are you weathering a storm? Is Jesus calling you to come closer to Him through it? Don’t let fear pull you under. Fix your eyes on Him. Feel His presence. Experience the joy of walking on waves with Him.

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: A 30-Day Bible-Reading Plan to Elevate Your Joy

Meditate on these thirty Bible passages, one per day, to help you focus on Jesus. As you walk through your storm, fix your eyes on . . .