Well, here we are again! I know there are many years to catch up with you, my readers, and I promise I will update you on all things that have happened in my life. But today I want to share an experience that happened yesterday.

I had been discharged from PT after total knee replacement and it was a beautiful day in Jacksonville, so I headed to Hannah Park to enjoy the beach. I love being near the beach. It feeds my soul.

I sunbathed for a while, then decided to visit the ocean. The water was the perfect temp. The weather was perfect. I sat in the shallow water for quite some time, basking in the warmth of the sun, the rush of the breaking waves and swirling of sand beneath me.

I wanted to get the sand out of my suit, so I headed to deeper water. That’s when things took a turn.  I was fine until one wave knocked me off my feet. I couldn’t get a firm footing. The sand beneath me shifted repeatedly. The tide was stronger than I expected. I was floundering. And then I got hit again with another wave. I went under and was even more precarious than before. And the waves didn’t stop. Over and again, I found myself underwater with no sense of control.

I know there have been times in my life when I felt this way. A failed marriage. My sweet, precious mama passing away. A second marriage ended with me being a widow. The loss of my sister and business partner. Financial instability. Depression. Memory loss. I could go on, but I think you understand.

Sometimes life crashes over us so deeply that we don’t think we will ever be able to stand firm and catch our breath. But then, we remember some of the promises and encouraging words in Scripture that we hold close to our hearts. Here are just a few.

Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Psalm 77:19 “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.”

Psalm 89:9 “You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.”

Psalm 93:4 “Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty.”

Psalm 107:29-30 “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the seawere hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.”

Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Isaiah 51:15 “For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name.”

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

John 16:33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Do you see the pattern? God is in control. God will never leave you. God will give you comfort and rest. God will give us peace in times of trouble.

So how did I get out of my wild situation yesterday? I asked for help. Guess what? No one was around except the God who controls the wind and waves. Somehow, a wave picked me up and pushed me toward shore. Not all the way, but enough for me to find a way to get steady on my feet again. Honestly, I was exhausted and wasn’t sure I could make it to shore. But I did!

Lessons:

1. I am not nearly strong enough to head into the ocean on my own. AND I am nowhere near strong enough to go through this life alone (reference 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
2. Troubles will come, but we know the One who has overcome the world!
3. Life is short. Don’t allow opportunities to pass us by. Any opportunity to help someone, or to share the Gospel or to offer a word of encouragement.

I pray that as you go through your day today, that you will find encouragement in these words. It means so much to me that you are reading them. Thank you and I will be back soon.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna