When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. Isaiah 43:2
There are times when they show up, unbidden--a slide show of the worst of moments; and with them, the temptation to remain in that dark place in time and feel the fear and helplessness again. It's overwhelming, like an undercurrent surrounding me and tugging me down.
I'm learning that there is a way to resist that darkness; and focus on the light, love, and joy the Lord has promised. To deliberately leave the bottom of the ocean's abyss and press upward, like a swimmer rising to the surface for a life-preserving gasp of oxygen. It has nothing to do with my own strength or piety; but everything to do with choosing to focus every part of my being on looking up to Jesus. Jesus and his matchless charms, unreasonable love, and enabling grace.
The battles are short and desperate; but if I look upward, move upward, I will eventually break the surface into the dazzling light and be able to breathe once again. And Jesus is there. He was there all along--and always will be.
But when he (Peter) saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.
