Your Wave is Waiting
Photo Credit
I want the unrelenting waves to stop crashing in on me. I’m weary of the struggle. Have you been there?
I know God controls the tides of life, but lately I’ve swallowed a little too much salt water.
I need to learn to surf. I want to ride the rising waves, rather than sink and succumb. So today, I did a little research on surfing in hopes of learning a thing or two.
How to Ride the Wave
- Check the atmosphere: The tides of life are always changing. You need to keep a watchful eye on the surf. (Ephesians 4:14-16)
- Stick close to an experienced partner: You learn much about how to ride the wave from those who are skilled at keeping their balance through the tides of life. Never surf alone. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
- Just hop on and start paddling: You will never ride the wave if you stay in the shallow water. You must paddle out to the deep. (Psalm 107:24)
- Take a breather: Once you pass the breaking waves by the shore, there is an opportunity to rest. Take advantage of that moment and strengthen your spirit. (Psalm 37:1-7; 127:2)
- Keep an eye on the water further out: Stay alert and on watch. Another wave is surely coming. (I Thessalonians 5:6 & 8; I Peter 1:13 and 5:6-8).
- Commit to catching the wave: God has not given you a spirit of fear. Keep paddling. Paddle your heart out. (II Timothy 1:6-8 & 4:5-7)
- Stand up: Keep looking forward and adjust your position as needed. You cannot ride the wave for long unless you keep moving and making adjustments. As Paul, a master surfer, advised: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (I Corinthians 16:13).
Remember you can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf. Your wave is waiting…
Something to think about…
I’m seeing Lisa’s book EVERYWHERE! And everyone’s so excited about it! This looks like a definite must-read …
Ride the waves. I love that. I took my dog to the beach for the first time today, and she was terrified of the waves! She’s a water dog! I guess, sometimes even though God builds us to handle the waves, we still have to learn how to surf them… To remove our fear. I love this post. Hang in there,sweet one.
Happy Almost Weekend!
Megs
I love your thoughts, Lyli…..I really needed this post and the reminder that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. I appreciate your encouragement and the weekly link-up!
Is is refreshing as I stop here on Thursday and soak in the bits of wisdom you share, Lyli. Always so full of arrows pointing toward our true compass. I have never surfed abut I have always loved the idea of paddling out and just sitting on the board while the waves rolled beneath me.
Great analogy.
Blessings.
Dawn
You are so creative Lyli! Wonderful wave analogies this morning. Thanks for the encouragement to ride the waves well and learn to surf!
Thank you for hosting!
So much to think about in this post, Lyli – and thanks for the heads up about Lisa’s book!
What a wonderful depiction of a life of faith: going to remember this one! So encouraging to read this and be reminded that every struggle has its place in our journey and story, and that God has equipped us and given us the tools and people to help us prepare for and ride the waves.
Also sounds like an interesting book on peace: especially her focus on emotional abundance. Sounds like God has been taking her on a similar journey, as He has me. Thanks for sharing.
Lyli, I love your points on how to take a ride! Just hop on and start paddling is what God has been speaking to me. I can tend to stay in my comfort zone and avoid the deep waters at all cost! I love the idea of going, and then when I start actually going- I think, “Oh, no! Why did I agree to this!!” =) I will surely be putting these points into action!
I know someone being tumbled by waves. I’m thinking she can’t even climb on and follow the steps. She needs a boat and crew more than a board. Actually, thankful that God knows what she needs. Great post.
Love this, Lyli. Such good reminders for every day living! Have a wonder-filled week! I hope your man is fully recovered 🙂
Lyli,
Thanks for creatively sharing God’s Word. I pray God continues to bring healing to Bruce and may God uphold you both with His Word and Presence. He will give you what you need as you turn to Him, which I know you do…((Hugs))
Lyli, so much truth in this post. As I read, it hit me that so often we see the wave coming, building momentum and we panic. If we but stay calm and ride it out, we come safely to shore instead of going under. The same wave, which we first perceive as taking us under, may be the very means of transporting us safely to the shore. Grateful to have stopped here tonight! Blessings!
Amen Lyli…I love your post and the analogies to surfing! it is something I’d rather not do though:) Sometimes it feels like the waves will never stop coming at us and it is easy to get overwhelmed. Like you said at the end of your post, we keep our eyes looking forward and adjust as needed. When our eyes are on Christ, the waves don’t seem so daunting. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend and God bless.
I meant to comment yesterday, Lyli. I’m not a surfer, but growing up in Florida I married one and raised several. 😉 So I loved your analogy. The deep water can sure seem scary but God is faithful even when we feel like we’re treading water. Thank you for your linkup and your beautiful post.
Thank you for these inspiring words. You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf. YES! With God we can do anything! Praying you have a blessed weekend!
I just tried paddle boarding for the first time, on my recent trip to Nicaragua. On our day off in a week full of working, they took us to a beautiful lake where I tried both kayaking and paddle boarding. I wasn’t very successful at the standing up part of paddle boarding, as the wind made the lake water quite choppy. I will try again, which I think is the beauty of your analogy. God gives us second chances and new mercies when the storms get the best of us.