You rule the swelling of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. Psalm 89:9 NASB

We have all gasped for air as another wave of life crashes over us at one point or another. And we’ve all either stood at the ocean’s edge and marveled at the splendor of the view, or seen pictures that put us in awe.

This same water seems to drown us at times, and at others seems to give us life. The difference is in how deep we find ourselves in the waters.

This week I was blessed to stay a few days at the beach at a friend’s house, and the Lord used it to remind my heart of some deep truths. About a year ago I was sitting by the water’s edge as wave after wave came crashing in, but never reached me.

It was then that I heard the Lord say to me not to fear the waves of life because they can only come so far. He reminded me to rest on the shore, safely knowing that the waters would not rise high enough to overtake me.

Then this week, back at the water’s edge, the Lord reminded me of what He had spoken a year ago. But this time He took it a step further.

I’ve caught myself more times in the past year than I’d like to admit, feeling overwhelmed by the waves of life, feeling like I don’t know how to come up for air or that I’m losing the strength to keep swimming and keep fighting.

Looking out over the crashing waves, God revealed to me that waves can only come so far, but we determine how close we walk to them.

When we feel like we are sinking and drowning, we can choose to take a step back. If we are in that place of feeling overtaken, it is not because the waves have come closer and overtaken us.

It is because we have allowed ourselves to go deeper and deeper into the water, losing sight of the shore.

So today, join me in remembering that the shore is closer than it may appear.

Join me in refusing to let the lure and pull of the waves of life (the drama, the self-pity, the temptations, the pain, etc.) draw us to places that are over our heads.

Join me in staying far away from the things that so easily entangle us and anchor us in places we don’t need to be.

Join me in awe of the beauty of waves from the security of the shore.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:1b-2 ESV

He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29 NASB

Lord, Teach me to take a step back when I feel overwhelmed. Remind me that there are no waters too deep for You and remind me to rely on You. Teach me to have Your perspective so that I may not be overwhelmed. Show me Your strength and peace, even in the waves.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.