“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.” (Psalm 69:1 NIV)
Life’s overwhelming moments can feel like water up to the neck. You’re breathing, hanging on, head bobbing above the water, but it’s hard. Battling day in and day out is exhausting. Daily chores are monotonous. On and on life goes. Each day a little harder to fight. Hope seems long lost, but is it?
Finishing a tennis lesson recently, a young mother told me she had no hope. She had just witnessed her child overcome a massive emotional obstacle minutes before on the court. Yet she was hopeless. What I said to her was, “Hope is in the moment.” We had experienced hope moments ago when the breakthrough occurred. Patience, perseverance, faith, love all worked together to produce hope.
Treading water is sustainable.
If the water level is up to your neck, more than likely, you’re treading water. When someone treads water, beneath the surface is what matters. Typically, your arms form a “T” with the body. For sustainability, legs are moving in a slow rhythm, like riding a bike. Not too fast, not too slow, at a comfortable pace. What you can’t see keeps you floating.
God’s what people can’t see. Jesus formed a “T” with His body for us on the Cross. Time spent seeking Him is what keeps you afloat. Letting go is lifting up:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
Forgive me if I overuse this verse. People often do. But there’s a reason to refer to this one often; it gives hope. When we are tired and burdened, we want to rest. Jesus provides us with rest when we give Him our worries, our fears.
Finding a physical way to give your burdens to Jesus helps. For me journaling allows me to rid myself of my fears. Each morning, after I read my Bible, I handwrite a note to God. Paul’s word guides my process:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7 NIV)
- Thank God first
- Give Him burdens
- Receive His peace
Thank, give, receive. Each morning He’s waiting to hear what I have to say like a young parent, when their child comes to them with their heartaches. Lovingly, God cares for our hurts and provides our needs. With Him, we stay afloat.
Question of the Day:
Who is keeping you afloat today?
Further Reading: Isaiah 48:12-50:11 NIV, Ephesians 4:17-32 NIV, Psalm 69:1-18 NIV, Proverbs 24:5-6 NIV
