Just Keep Swimming
“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”- Psalm 34:5
A common practice of the summer is SWIMMING LESSONS. I will never forget taking our daughter to a two-week class to learn how to swim. What seemed like a simple twenty minute a day program, transformed my princess into a modern-day Ariel, navigating the waters like a mermaid. And on this Fourth of July, we had a friend over who never learned how to swim. When we told him to bring a swimsuit, he quickly retorted that the pool would be the last place he would set a foot into. Well, by the end of the visit my friend had borrowed some shorts, got into the water, was moving around with the help of a paddleboard, and even declared he would be taking swimming lessons in the future!
My observation as to what changed for both my daughter and friend, what made them more confident and less afraid was getting their feet into the water and getting their faces under it.
We all need more belief and courage when FACING the tough things in life. Some things we face appear far more intimidating than they really are. We need to remember the story of Peter walking on the water. Matthew 14:28-29 records this miracle moment, “Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to You on the water.’ ‘Come,’ He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” It’s amazing and inspiring to see someone not being rocked by the storm, who was willing to step out by faith and in doing so was able to step out of their comfort zone. This type of faith is what Dory the fish (from the movie FINDING NEMO) would chime continually to encourage others who were uncertain, “Just Keep Swimming!”
This summer is the perfect time for the Holy Spirit to provide us some STORM LESSONS. Enter your daily activities, responsibilities, and challenges with confidence and hope. The storms you face will not overwhelm you or sweep you away: A child’s behavior, your job situation, being short on resources, lack of friends, health issues, and future dreams are not beyond God’s care and control. When the days are dark, the path is unclear, and everything in you is feeling scared, just keep believing. Isaiah 32:17 tells us the results of the one who trusts in the Lord, “The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.”
Just keep swimming, keeping your face on and your feet moving towards Jesus.