TAKE A DIVE!

On the surface of the ocean a monstrous storm can be churning up roiling, boiling, turbulent, crashing waves higher than ships which are at the mercy of the powerful temperament of weather. So it is with the ever-changing circumstances and calamities and adversities of our lives. We are not in control of the assaults of life.

However, that's all surface stuff. Whatever is happening to us is temporal, of this world, common to mankind, temporary—and it will eventually pass although it might leave devastation in its wake.

But we don't have to live up there on the dangerous surface of life. In the ocean analogy, the deeper you descend into the ocean, the calmer and quieter it becomes until it is totally peaceful, serene, and tranquil in the depths. Life's storms on the surface can't reach us if we are deep in Christ, “dwelling in Him in the secret place of the Most High, abiding under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91)

Available to God's children is a “place of quiet rest near to the heart of God” no matter what the circumstances. This is not a denial of reality. Hiding in Christ, in the Rock that is higher than I, is not escapism—it is spiritual wisdom. It is a response of obedience to Jesus' invitation, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

I embrace this analogy to myself, whatever my lot, whatever the portion of adversity I might be going through physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, relationally, whatever. It is all under the Lord's control. God doesn't cause the negative circumstances, but He allows them as teaching times to perfect me into His image. So it is all good!

No, the trials are not pleasant at the time, but His plan for me is good and right altogether. He wants my obedient yes. Then He works out all things, (Romans 8:28) even the things that others might have caused or things beyond my control. And I love Him and I thank Him that I'm “called according to His purpose.”

Bad stuff going on at the surface of my life—of your life? Let's take a dive into Christ “and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).