When You Pass Through the Waters

A few years ago, my friend Chris was out teaching some high school students how to surf. He happened to be in the right place at the right time because he heard a little girl start to scream for help. She was getting pulled out by a rip current. Chris acting as quickly as possible swam out to her and made the rescue. He said he was thankful that when he got to her, it was only chest-deep water. Of course for the little girl, it was over her head.

Chris said he thought about how sometimes with us – we feel like that child – overwhelmed by the waters of trouble or uncertainty or fear. We find ourselves in over our heads and it feels as though we are going to drown. 

But there is One for whom the waters are nothing. There is One in whom we must place our trust.

In Isaiah, the Lord speaks, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.”

Let us pray: Loving God, we remember that you hear the cries of those in need. You are near to those in peril, and close to the brokenhearted. We pray today for those who feel they are in over their heads. Be near to them, and please O God, be near to us. Amen.