The first time my dad decided to teach me how to swim, I was terrified.  I was still in shallow water but I didn’t know when he would take me out to the deep water.  Being the very short person I have always been, water was nearly always over my head!  At least in my mind, it was.  Dad’s first idea was to give instruction.  But the words got lost in my fear.  Then he showed me how to swim using my arms and legs as paddles.  Again, all I could think about was when and how he would make me do what he was showing me.  Then, seeing my fear, he said, get on my back and you will see and feel what I’m doing.  Don’t worry, I will keep you safe.

Because I trusted my dad, I eased onto his back and held on for dear life!  I clutched his neck with both arms wrapped tightly around him until he could hardly breathe, but he was laughing at the same time.  Dad knew I wouldn’t drown on his watch.  But I had to be convinced.

Soon he was swimming beyond the depths I was used to playing.  The lesson got more serious.  He swam with ease and I was still hanging on for dear life.  Soon, I relaxed because dad was relaxed.  He brought me back to shallow waters and said, “See, I had you all along”.  He then said, “I love you too much to let you drown in deep waters.”

That’s exactly how our Heavenly Father, our Abba Father, feels about us.  He loves us too much to let us drown in our own sin and selfishness, in troubles or from attacks from the evil one.  He sometimes sends us to the deep waters of life to teach us His character while we realize He will always be there to rescue us and will not allow us to drown. Isaiah, God’s prophet, who spoke God’s words says,

“When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.”  Isaiah 43:2

So, hold onto God for dear life…He’s got us!  For life!

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

Psalm 91, The Message

^1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
    spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
    I trust in you and I’m safe!”

That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
    shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
    under them you’re perfectly safe;
    his arms fend off all harm.

Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
    not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
    not disaster that erupts at high noon.

Even though others succumb all around,
    drop like flies right and left,
    no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
    watch the wicked turn into corpses.

Yes, because God’s your refuge,
    the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
    harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
    to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
    their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
    and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

^14-16 “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
    “I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
    if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
    I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
    give you a long drink of salvation!”

TRUTH: “Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.”  God’s got this and everything else the world throws at us.

Proverb 28:1, The Message

The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off
    even when no one’s after them;
Honest people are relaxed and confident,
    bold as lions.

WISDOM:  Follow God, be honest and relax.  Our confidence is in God alone.

Abba Father,

The reminders of your love and care were just what I needed this morning.  Of course, You are in control of all, in all, above all because you created all.  You know the hearts of all and can work wonders.  We pray for your wonders and glory to be seen in all that is going on in our world today.  We are in deep waters but we are holding onto You for dear life because our faith and confidence is You.  You are our confidence!  Thank you for loving us the way you do.  May we love others they way you love us.

In Jesus Name, Amen

I will rest
In Your promises
My confidence
Is Your faithfulness

Faithful, You are
Faithful, forever, You will be
Faithful, You are
All Your promises are Yes and Amen
All Your promises are Yes and Amen