For I hear many whispering,
“Terror on every side!”
They conspire against me
and plot to take my life.
But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
Psalm 31:13-14 (NKJV)
Thought for Today: Jane had decided to take her sea kayak out from Point Judith and paddle to Block Island even though the ocean seemed a bit rough that day and the weather looked like it might be getting worst. Being an experienced kayaker, Jane felt that she could handle any weather and had no fear going out in any weather. The view was beautiful on this fall morning. As she left the shelter of Point Judith harbor, the sea was a bit rougher. About one-quarter mile out from the safety of the harbor the swells were very high. Jane tried as best as she could to keep the kayak from capsizing but then a giant wave hit and tipped her complete upside down. Jane was able to escape from the overturned kayak but then another wave came and swept the partially-submerged kayak away from her, carrying it further out to sea. Being a strong swimmer, she thought about pursuing the kayak but then it sank out of sight. Jane's only recourse was to swim back to the harbor. As she began to swim, she noticed a bit of blood on her arm from a cut sustained when the kayak tipped over. Suddenly, out of nowhere, came several sharks attracted by the scent of blood. Jane tried not to panic and continued to swim towards safety. The sharks circled, trying to prevent her from swimming to shore. To her astonishment, four bottle-nose dolphins appeared and swam beside, behind and in front of Jane to protect her from the sharks. This magnificent team swam with her all the way to shore so that she could safely leave the water.
Perhaps you feel that you are surrounded by sharks, waiting to devour you. Your sharks might be people, but more than likely, they are emotions and circumstances. You want to get to a safe place in life but find that you are about to be devoured. Perhaps you can't get over negative emotions or perhaps you are living in chaos due to a sick child, lost income, health issue or a host of other circumstances. Like Jane, you can't be devoured if you are surrounded. Who can surround you in the midst of your difficult circumstances? Only the Lord. He will put a shield around you, provide protection and peace. But, you know what, He likely won't just appear like the dolphin team. You need to ask Him for help, ask for protection, peace, and guidance. He will provide for you because He loves you deeper than you could ever know.
Heavenly Father, we face so many trials in our lives; difficult circumstances, lost jobs, broken relationships to name a few. You, oh Lord, know our pain and want to walk with us through our trials. May learn this day to trust in You and You alone. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
