Earlier this year, I was a bundle of nerves. Rest and relaxation were far from me as I strove to orchestrate my life to match what society defined as success. I didn't like my current circumstances and decided I had to do something to change.
The first area I tried to tackle in February was my relationship status. This was still during the lockdown, so my options to meet people were limited. I found out about online speed dating, and decided to try it. Bad idea. While there were some genuinely nice guys on there, none were a good fit for me. The two men who did contact me afterwards were both a little pushy. The first guy left me alone after I said I wasn't interested, and the second guy was much too young for me. Obviously, my own attempts to find someone were pitiful. I argued with God over what He wanted me to do, because my efforts were going no where and fast. I thought I had two options "sink or swim." If I did nothing, I would never meet anyone and end up sad and alone. However, my doggy paddling was spinning me in circles, tiring me out so that sinking seemed inevitable regardless of whether I tried to meet someone or not. After listening to me exert a lot of energy and frustration, the Lord told me there was a third way. I maintained, no, the saying is "sink or swim." There were only two possible outcomes. God then told me to float. He saw how trying to swim was eating away at my vigor for life. The Lord resolved my dilemma by telling me to trust Him. I was to lay on my back and rest. As I soaked in the light and warmth of the sun, He would hold me up and have the currents carry me to where He wants me. I just need to float. I was shocked. It seemed to easy. Just float?!?!? Surely that couldn't be a legitimate option. God reminded me of Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (NKJV). If I would but trust Him, even when I didn't see Him working or understand what He was doing, He would direct my paths to where He wanted me to be. I had to admit the visual of floating was freeing. The Lord told me that He wanted me to float in every area of my life during this season. I also have uncertainty over my long-term life plans and where I want to live. I tried for a month to buy a house, but was never chosen. I thought it was the Lord's leading, but maybe it wasn't His timing. I quit looking and have such greater peace. God will let me know if and when to try again. Choosing to float is a daily decision. Some days I rest with warm waters lapping around me and listen to the gentle whispers of the Lord. He's in control. He's got good things for me. He won't let me drown. He is leading me to where I can best be used for His glory. As these truths fill my mind, my heart rate slows. Floating leaves space for me to hope for what God has for me without fretting about the hows and whens. Sometimes, I try to swim again. I stick my head above the water and flail my arms about in the sea. I get news that looks like a shut door that I wanted open and try to find a way to swim under it. God tells me to keep floating. That may still be my door, just not yet. There are other doors I really wanted open that the Lord has painted a resounding No on the front. Those are not for my entry. They are off limits. I remind myself often of Psalm 84:11-12, "For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly, o Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You! (NKJV)" If God says no, what I want is not good for me. He won't give me garbage. I don't know where you are in your life right now. Maybe you've been trying to swim like crazy to get where you think you ought to be. Take time to rest. Turn over, lay on your back, and relax in the Lord's provision. God is Sovereign and good. We can trust where He leads us. It's hardest to float when the waves are choppy. However, when I think of Peter, when he kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on water. The Lord will sustain me even in the ocean. While sometimes seasons are dedicated to floating, even when I need to swim, I still must follow the Lord's leading. The key is to trust God. As I learn to float and rest in the Lord, He will carry me safe to shore. God will do the same for you.
19 Comments
8/3/2021 09:29:38 am
Just float! Wow, I love that. I want to remember that today. Thanks so much, Joanna.
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Joanna Eccles
8/7/2021 05:05:50 pm
I pray the Lord reminds you to float when you need to rest in Him. Glad it blessed you.
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8/3/2021 04:58:57 pm
"Just float!" Yes, I need that reminder in this season of unrest. You have so skillfully merged that metaphor into a lesson that reminds us to wait and trust. I confess that I'm one of those who wants to fix whatever the problem is--right now. Thank you for this message of assurance.
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Joanna Eccles
8/7/2021 05:07:17 pm
It is so hard to wait and trust in the Lord because it takes an active decision to let go of my efforts to fix everything and let God be God. He will take care of us, that we can know for sure.
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8/4/2021 06:41:49 am
Float! You gave us a beautiful picture here and I saw myself fighting waves, coming up for air, dodging currents— I related to this post. Thanks for reminding me to float.
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Joanna Eccles
8/7/2021 05:08:05 pm
Even when we have to dodge the waves, God won't let us sink. He's got us!
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8/4/2021 10:41:45 am
I love the idea of "float." It is the perfect illustration of letting go and resting in what is underneath. I am so very grateful my Father holds me. Thank you for that wonderful post.
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Joanna Eccles
8/7/2021 05:09:10 pm
The beauty of floating is that I don't have to keep myself up, God's strength will sustain me. He is so good! It gives me the freedom to rest in Him.
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8/4/2021 11:10:20 am
God is so good! I love the idea of just floating. This is a message I must need to hear. God led me to write on it a few weeks ago, it was the sermon topic this week and another blog I read.Floating just seems to make since. It's not doing nothing, but following His direction at the pace He desires.
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Joanna Eccles
8/7/2021 05:10:28 pm
I love it when God tries to get our attention and sends us the same message from multiple directions. Floating is an intentional decision to rely on His grace instead of trying to fix everything myself.
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J.D. WIninger
8/9/2021 08:48:52 pm
Amen! Just float along with God, while He restores and rejuvenates our spirit! I love this picture my friend. Thank you.
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Joanna Eccles
8/10/2021 10:02:26 pm
Yes - the Lord restores our souls when we rest in His arms.
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Joanna Eccles
8/10/2021 10:03:20 pm
So glad that you were encouraged to float and rest in God as you trust His character. Have a blessed day.
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Nkem
8/10/2021 03:50:22 am
Just in time, everything in my apartment is breaking down and I am not going to let anxiety get the best of me. Thanks for your share. Do not be shaken about what's going on around you. In due time, if you trust in the Lord diligently you will be in awe of what's yet to come.
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Joanna Eccles
8/10/2021 10:04:26 pm
I pray things get fixed in your house and that God will carry you through until everything is functioning again. God has good things in store for both of us.
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Nkem
8/11/2021 02:26:46 am
Amen. God is Good and his mercy endureth forever. And we will worship endlessly *^_^* 8/11/2021 02:49:19 am
Resting seems to be so hard for us. We want to take control and make things work out. But I have found out the hard way, that I don't know what is best. Prayers to you as you seek direction. Keep floating!
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AuthorJoanna Eccles has led Bible studies for over twenty years and completed the year-long C. S. Lewis Fellows Program. She is passionate about discipleship and helping people grow in Christ. Joanna enjoys coffee and reading, and currently lives in Florida. Categories
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