“Are there sharks in that water?” Ever since I became a mother and my first child could speak, this is a question I get EVERY time a little one spies a body of water of any size. We are blessed to live near many lakes so they get this opportunity frequently. I used to be able to say with assurance that no, there are no sharks in the water. But, thank you Discovery Channel, now my older ones will pipe up that bull sharks can live in fresh water for a little while.
It reminds me of the lake of my family. Yes, there are sharks there. A cranky teenager, a distraught toddler, or a tired mommy comes swimming into the peaceful waters and suddenly there is thrashing, screaming, and blood in the water. It is startling how fast it can happen.
Now I could do everything in my power to prevent these attacks. I could watch for them, try to head them off. In fact I’ve been there, done that. What I discovered though is that I am no shark whisperer and it’s exhausting.
However, I have found when I acknowledge how powerless I feel, and I give up control to God, then He comes in with His powerful peace, and suddenly calm returns.
Then by His grace, it is safe to go back in the water.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Matthew 14:29-31
I have sharks lurking in my home and sometimes I am the shark. Eek!
Thank you for the reminder that God is my peace. I need only to cry for help and He is there. His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Yes! In the past, I’d far rather face a real shark than one of my kiddos (or me!) totally out of control with raw emotion! But trying to control all of that, basically trying to take over God’s job, just made everything worse. Thanks for the reminder that it’s a beautiful thing to give control back to our God who loves us so much!
Sometimes a shark is more than you or a family member. I am surrounded by a shark today and it is trying to attack ME, but with a cry out to God, HE is the shark whisperer. Thank you for this reminder Christy.
That’s right, He is the shark whisperer! Also the One who brings perfect peace in all circumstances.
Heather’s comment about sometimes being the shark was convicting to me. I had an opportunity to share this with a friend from church today; thanks Heather for your transparency.