Crashing Waves

Suggested Scripture:
Psalm 46

Key Verse

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
(Psalm 46:1-2, NIV)

Three surfers went into the ocean to ride the 12 foot hurricane swells at Boca de Pascuales. One rode a wave for some time before he lost his balance and fell. He broke his neck as a result of the force of the ocean pummeling his body. - The second surfer tried to duck under the wave, hoping to come up again on the other side. The waves kept coming--too large and too frequently--and he was held under so long that he drowned. The final surfer rode the wave to shore, his adrenaline overriding his sense of fear. He knew that reaching the shore safely was dependent on his ability to stay firmly balanced on the board. All three were good surfers. All three felt fear, but only one survived. (By the way, that third surfer happens to be a co-worker of mine.)

Sometimes life's hurricanes kick up large waves that can come crashing down upon us. Into every life a little rain must fall, and that rarely become a life-threatening situation. But what do we do when the storms keep coming? How do we keep from drowning when powerful waves force our heads to dip below surface for long periods of time? How do we keep our balance in a precarious position, knowing that one wrong move could result in a broken neck?

We can start by strengthening our relationships with God. He may not directly remove us from a painful or difficult situation, but he promises that he will be our constant strength and help. Every moment that we spend with him when life seems trouble-free, is a chance for us to allow him to equip us to face inevitable challenges.

Reflecting Pool:

Do you find yourself currently in the midst of one of life's storms?
Does that frighten or worry you?

What do you do to keep from being overtaken by life's storms?

How has God delivered you in the past?