Calm Amidst the Waves: Finding Our Focus in Times of Turmoil

Sometimes, you see an image—a banner, a church cover, or maybe even a beautiful piece of art—and it catches your eye. It might show Christ walking on the water. And as you look at it, you can’t help but feel the weight of the surrounding waves, the implied storm. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What does this all mean for us, right now, as we navigate the currents of the world?

It’s easy, isn't it, to get caught up in the *what ifs*. We hear about signs of the times, about tribulations, and it can feel overwhelming. When I was first getting my bearings after my time in the field, I remember feeling that same anxiety—the feeling that the world was spinning too fast, that the storms were getting bigger.

But as we gather more, and as we study the scriptures together, the pattern becomes clear, doesn't it? The lesson embedded in the story of Christ walking on the water isn't about predicting the next wave or timing the perfect moment for the Second Coming. It’s about *focus*.

Staying Anchored to Christ

The message seems to be this: No matter how turbulent the boat gets—whether that storm is global, personal, or spiritual—if we keep our eyes fixed on Him, we will be okay. The world will continue to get more complex, more chaotic, and yes, sometimes it feels deeply divisive. That's part of the natural progression until the Savior comes.

I know there’s a lot of noise out there—different timelines, different interpretations floating around. And while it’s natural to want to understand the "big picture," I always try to bring us back to the core doctrine, the solid ground we have been given. We have a Church, we have prophets, and we have the restored gospel. That is our anchor.

This isn't about ignoring the reality of the world's struggles, nor is it about becoming paralyzed by fear. It’s about preparation balanced with faith. We prepare for the worst, yes, but we must *hope* for the best, and that hope is always directed toward the Savior.

When I think about spiritual protection, I think about the temple covenants. That sacred place doesn't just shield us from temporal threats; it elevates our spirit and reminds us where our true citizenship lies. It helps us feel the Spirit's sustaining power, even when the outer world is roaring.

A Disciple's Focus on the Spirit

For us, as Rogue Disciples, this means making our daily practice one of intentional focus. It means when we are in missionary discussions, or when we are studying scripture in a Book Club, or even when we're just having a quiet moment alone, that our primary lens is Christ. It means treating every interaction, every question, as an opportunity to point people back to the Savior.

If you're feeling the pull toward anxiety about the future, I encourage you to take a breath, remember the covenants you've made, and ask yourself: "Where is my focus today? Is it on the waves, or is it on the Savior?"

Your Weekly Disciple Challenge

To help keep that focus sharp, I want to invite you to join our free weekly Disciple Challenge. It’s a great way to build that muscle—the muscle of sustained focus on Christ—without the pressure of a full-time mission. It’s a perfect complement to your ongoing study.

If you're feeling the pull to learn more about how to answer the tough questions—the kind of questions that can derail a good conversation—I highly recommend checking out Davee. He’s been doing some incredible work lately with his AI Investigator role, walking people through those hard, nuanced questions an investigator might ask. It’s invaluable training for any disciple, whether you’re prepping for the field or just having a deep Bible Study Group.

Remember, every member can be an Internet missionary. We don't need to wait for a transfer or a specific assignment to do the work. We can do it right where we are, right now, by keeping our focus where it belongs: on Christ.

What are you doing this week to keep your eyes on Him? Let’s lift each other up!