Going Under

I have been told that one of the best ways to learn to swim is to just dive in and figure it out. If you survive the process you have learned to swim and avoided all those swimming lessons. I personally think that a few swimming lessons would be less traumatic and certainly safer. Sometimes however, you can end up in deep water through no fault of your own.

Today is my 30th wedding anniversary. I have been thinking a lot about thirty years ago and those early days and years of marriage. I almost drowned my wife in the first two weeks of marriage in the apartment swimming pool. As God is my witness I thought she could swim even though the whole time I was running toward the pool with her in my arms she was screaming, “Don’t throw me in, I can’t swim!” Did I listen? Of course not, I threw her in. After about thirty seconds she convinced me that she was telling the truth and I jumped in and pulled her out. I guess in a twisted sort of way I saved her life. What a guy!

I think we tend to dive in or get pushed into a lot of deep water. Feeling like we are “Going Under” is a common sense of panic and loss of direction. The fear of sinking into a bottomless abyss can be overwhelming.

One evening the disciples had gone out in a boat following a very eventful day and Jesus had stayed behind to pray. Later Jesus decided to join them and went to the boat walking on the water. When Peter heard that it was Jesus walking on the water he asked Jesus if he could walk out to Him. Jesus told him to come. Peter was doing fine as long as he focused on the Lord. But when the storm grew worse Peter began to focus on his situation and lost eye contact with Jesus. Immediately he began to sink and cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus reached down, took him by the hand, and lifted him to safety. (Matthew 14: 29-31)

Peter got into trouble when he took his eyes off Jesus. Sometimes we get into trouble all by ourselves. The “dive in,” “sink or swim” approach is a good way to find out that we need more than just ourselves, we need a savior. Like Peter we find ourselves in deep water and cry out as he did, “Lord save me.”

The Psalmist David said it this way, Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. Psalm 69

God has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. He is just and willing to forgive our sins. And He said that if we trust Him we will receive new strength.

When you feel like you are Going Under:

     1. Keep your eyes and heart focused on Jesus.
     2. If the mess you are in is your fault, ask God to forgive you.
     3. Lay aside every weight that you are able to release.
     4. Ask God to help you get out from under any weight beyond your control.
     5. Commit your personal, business, and all other affairs to the Lord.
     6. Turn over the control of your life to Jesus.
     7. Receive His Peace and Rest.

One more thing; don’t throw anybody else in the pool. Learn from your mistakes.