We are moving into the season where more people will be spending time at the beach or in the pool. While my aquatic prowess in the flesh is not necessarily advancing I am achieving spiritually. We are all required to improve our ability to navigate spiritually. This is clearly put to the test while swimming in the deep. We can spiritually float while swimming in the deep by examining how we float physically in water.

God, our Creator, Master Teacher, and loving Father is continually communicating with us. He wants us to succeed. He loves us so very much. He wants only the best for us. He created us with purpose. In order for us to receive a true understanding of what our purpose is here He gives us many lessons.

We are taught through His word. Some of us are taught in synagogues, churches, cathedrals or temples. We also learn through our daily experiences and those of others. At times we make those connections clearly and observe that communication as valued wisdom. Sometimes lessons go unnoticed.

As the special needs teacher that He is, He uses those things that are familiar and relevant to us to help us to apply His principles and laws in life. He also encourages us to seek Him and His ways of being and doing right.

If we examine one of the basics taught in swimming in water we can find a plan for being successful when we are deep in situations where we appear to have no escape. Those seasons when it looks like we could drown in our troubles, pain or despair.

Floating

One of the first things taught when one begins to swim is how to float. To one not familiar with floating in water it appears easy to do, especially in the shallow end of the pool. While in the water, one relaxes, places their head back facing up and presses the belly button toward the sky relaxing the back and limbs, it is possible to float on their back. It often takes time to master it. If one is tense and not following instructions floating does not happen.

Practice, focus and relaxation while holding on to the side of the pool in shallow water facilitates floating. Over time the floater can release the grasp of the pool and float freely. Relaxation is key. If the muscles are tense floating is not possible. Once the floater is mentally able to connect the aspects of floating it becomes easy. This application of water safety can be effective at the deep end of the pool too.

Spiritually in the Deep

As we go through trials of physical, mental, or spiritual pressure we can be so tense trying to handle things on our own we forget that our Father has instructed us on how to find success in these trials. We have been told to rest in Him by taking on His yoke. When we practice using the word of God through relationship with Him we are able to rest in Him, knowing that we are in affliction and that He has promised to deliver us from those afflictions. When we trust Him and have faith He allows us to relax, focus and maintain the position of resting in Him while in an ocean of stress.

From the outside others may think that you are doing nothing in the face of an ocean of stress. You may even seem like you can even take on some of the pressures of others. The resting in God allows you to float. You may still feel the current of the water. You may realize that you are in very deep. You may have an understanding of the possible outcomes if you are overtaken by the pressures that could engulf you. Like the swimmer in literal water you have a healthy respect for the situation you are in, yet you float in peace, by keeping your mind stayed on Him.

The deeper the water the more likely the impending trouble may seem. We may feel alone, abandoned and persecuted, yet we are able to float.

You may not be at a season in your life where you are experiencing being in the deep end of the pool. You may think that you have had a” good life”. You may believe that you can handle swimming in the deep on your own. You may even think that those that are allowed to swim at the deep end deserve to be there as punishment. Review the words of Jesus the Christ in Matthew Chapter 7 regarding judging others.

Well I am in a deep water season now. The word says that God does not show favoritism. So as I endeavor to relax, keep my face directed to Him and my focus on His yoke and not mine I find I am able to float even in the deep end of the pool. For those of you going through a similar time now, know that you are not alone. Know that God says that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Are you ready to go into the deep? You can practice in the shallow end first, then rest in knowing that you have met the tests before. Reflect on what caused you to be victorious in the past and use those same tools for the open sea of adversity in which you may find yourself immersed. Seasons change. You may soon find yourself swimming in the deep! Remember you can float!

Take Inventory and Take Action! Be prepared and stand on the word, the rhema, liberating word of Almighty God! Be encouraged! You are not alone and glory to God neither am I!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”