Caren, do you want "the" answer, boiled down to it's utmost simplicity? "The" answer is the same that was given to Peter...."why did you take your eyes off of me (Jesus)and doubt?" We sink into the "waters" when that happens.

Keep your gaze on Christ. Keep your efforts directed at "pleasing God first," and the rest will be handled by God no matter how the storms may appear to "rage" around you.