LOOK UP TO JESUS

Texts: Psalm 121:1–2; Matthew 14:28–29

Introduction

There are moments when it seems like nothing is happening, your efforts are failing, and the future is uncertain. When faced with challenges, many people rely on their social networks, wealth, status, or human understanding. While these may temporarily ease the pain, Jesus Christ remains the true source of lasting help.

The psalmist said, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1–2, NIV). This passage reminds us that genuine help comes from the Lord, not from human institutions or abilities.

The story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:28–29 teaches a profound lesson about faith and focus. Peter stepped out of the boat when Jesus commanded him to come. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible despite the storm. But when he noticed the wind and waves, fear overwhelmed him, and he began to sink. Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” and Jesus immediately stretched out His hand to rescue him.

Peter’s experience reflects the reality of many Christians today. They begin their Christian journey with strong faith and confidence, but challenges such as financial struggles, sickness, family pressures, disappointments, and worldly distractions gradually shift their focus away from Christ. Yet, Jesus remains the same faithful Savior and Redeemer.

Many people see May as a month of blessings, favour, health, kindness, and divine intervention. Therefore, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our faithful Companion, throughout this season.

1. Look Up to Jesus for Help in Difficult Times

Sometimes, it may seem that no human effort can provide a solution and that help is far away. However, Jesus is always present to help His followers regardless of the situation. Prayer should never be our last option; it should always be our first response.

Jesus lovingly invites us to bring all our worries, fears, and burdens to Him. Whenever you are uncertain about marriage, work, ministry, finances, education, health, or family matters, look up to Jesus.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you.”

God promises never to abandon those who trust in Him. Rick Warren once emphasized that we should go to God first when we feel helpless, not last. Human help may fail, but Jesus never fails. He provides timely, sufficient, and dependable help. No matter how heavy your burden may seem, Jesus can strengthen, sustain, and guide you through every challenge.

2. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus, Not on the Storm

Life is filled with storms, but the real danger comes when we allow our problems to become greater than our focus on Christ.

Today, many distractions compete for our attention:

- Fear of the future.

- Economic hardship.

- Negative news and uncertainty.

- Social media pressure.

- Sickness and emotional pain.

- Sin and temptation.

- Discouragement from past failures.

However, when we place our trust in Jesus, we experience peace, confidence, and strength. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

Believers are called to focus on the Savior rather than the storm. Challenges will surely come, but through the power of God, they can be overcome. If you keep your eyes on Christ, the storms of life will not destroy you, no matter how intense they may become.

3. Cry Out to Jesus and Receive His Rescue

Peter did the right thing when he began to sink—he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand and rescued him.

This demonstrates the mercy and compassion of Christ. Even when our faith becomes weak, Jesus is still ready to save everyone who sincerely calls upon Him.

Perhaps you are sinking today in:

- Debt.

- Depression.

- Addiction.

- Shame and guilt.

- Family conflict.

- Spiritual weakness.

- Fear and anxiety.

Jesus Christ still saves, heals, restores, delivers, and lifts people out of despair today. Many Christian devotionals, including those of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, emphasize daily dependence on God through prayer, faith, and obedience.

Romans 10:13 says, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

No matter how great your storm may seem, the hand of Jesus is powerful enough to rescue you.

Personal Reflection

I would like to conclude this message with a brief personal experience that strengthened my faith while writing this piece.

At a certain point, I was almost overwhelmed by discouragement because of the difficult circumstances around me. After recently undergoing surgery on my right eye, my health became a major concern. During a medical appointment, my doctor informed me that further treatment would require additional financial resources. As I listened, tears filled my eyes because I did not know where the money would come from.

At the same time, my academic adviser informed me that some financial support for my studies would no longer continue. The emotional, mental, and spiritual weight of these challenges was overwhelming.

However, in the midst of these difficulties, I remembered the story of Peter. Just as Peter cried out to Jesus while sinking, I also called upon the God of all possibilities. Although the storm was real, God gave me strength, peace, and hope to continue moving forward.

I may not fully understand what you are currently facing, but I encourage you today to look up to Jesus. As you place your trust in Him, you will experience His mercy, faithfulness, and unfailing love even in difficult times.

Conclusion

The secret to victory in every area of life is keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. When we are confused, tired, discouraged, or afraid, He remains our greatest source of help.

Peter was able to walk above the storm as long as he focused on Jesus. But the moment he became distracted by the wind and waves, he began to sink. In the same way, we can overcome fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and hardship by keeping our focus on Christ.

Jesus is still with us today, helping, strengthening, protecting, and delivering His people. During this month of May, choose faith, hope, and focus instead of fear, discouragement, and distraction. Keep looking unto Jesus because He never abandons His children.

Reflections

- What current storm in my life is distracting me from Jesus?

- Am I focusing more on problems than on God’s promises?

- Have I truly made Jesus my first source of help?

- What practical step of faith is Jesus asking me to take today?

- How can I intentionally keep my eyes on Christ this month?

Prayers

- Lord Jesus, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You in every season of life.

- Father, rescue me from every storm threatening my peace and faith.

- Lord, remove every distraction pulling my heart away from You.

- Grant me grace, strength, favour, blessings, and growth throughout this month of May.

- Strengthen my faith to rise above every challenge in Jesus’ name.

- Be my guide whenever I face crossroads and difficult decisions.

- Let Your mighty hand lift me whenever I feel like sinking.

References

1. The Holy Bible (KJV, NIV).

2. Warren, Rick. Daily Hope Devotional.

3. Nigerian Baptist Convention. Daily Encounter with God Devotional.

4. Chambers, Oswald. My Utmost for His Highest.

5. Meyer, Joyce. Trusting God Day by Day.

6. Tozer, A. W. The Pursuit of God.

7. Spurgeon, Charles H. Morning and Evening Devotional.

John Aderogba for ROPMI