It was a beautiful summer day when friends invited us to spend the afternoon boating. Ed and I had only recently begun dating, and I was thrilled to be anywhere he was.
As his truck pulled into the driveway, I couldn't stop smiling. My heart whispered the question every young woman wonders at some point: Does he love me as much as I love him?
Later, we untied the boat and headed across the lake. As we rounded the first bend, the tube I was riding caught the wake, launched high into the air, and flipped. In an instant, I slammed headfirst into the water.
Everything went dark and silent.
Underwater I couldn't tell which way was up and which way was down. All I could see was water. Panic rushed in as I struggled to find my bearings. I felt trapped... alone... with no way out.
Life can feel that way too.
Sometimes grief, fear, disappointment, or uncertainty crash over us without warning. We lose our sense of direction. We can't see the surface. We don't know which way to turn. We wonder if anyone sees us or hears our desperate cries.
Jonah knew that feeling. He prayed, "In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and You listened to my cry... The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me... But You, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit." (Jonah 2:2, 5-6).
Peter offers another invitation: "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7). Not casually—but affectionately, faithfully, and watchfully.
Then I felt it. A strong hand grasped my arm.
Within seconds I was pulled upward through the darkness. Breaking the surface, I gasped for air as I realized it was Ed who had rescued me. As he lifted me safely into the boat, every doubt vanished. I knew beyond question that he cared for me.
Jenn Johnson beautifully sings: "Rest your weary head, and I'll be all you need. I'll be everything. Lay your burdens down, and lay it all on Me. I'll be everything you need."
The truth is, we all have moments when we can't tell up from down. But our Savior never loses sight of us. He knows exactly where we are, even when we don't know where we are ourselves.
His hand is never too short to reach us, His love never too small to hold us, and His strength never too weak to lift us from the deepest waters.
So when life leaves you disoriented and afraid, don't stop crying out. The One who calmed the sea still reaches into the waves. He knows the way up—even when you don't.
Closing Prayer Father, may we never forget that when we are sinking beneath the weight of life's storms, Your hand is already reaching toward us.
Thank You for hearing our cries, lifting us with Your unfailing love, and reminding us that we are never alone. Help us to trust You completely, knowing You will always lead us safely home. Amen.