Have you ever been in the ocean when a big wave is about to come over you? If you succumb to the waves, you can lose your balance and be pulled under. When this happens, it’s very disorienting. Even determining which way is up becomes tricky in the churning and rough ocean, especially when a dangerously large wave is crashing down on you.
Our waves come about neck high in California, so you can usually still touch the ground. Seasoned beachgoers know that if you duck under the wave before it gets too close, it will roll over with little to no effect. But if you stare at the wave, the bigger and scarier it looks.
Just as the ocean waves can be intimidating, so can our fears. But if we apply the same strategy by doing a duck dive, we can dive below the crashing waters of fear and anxiety, emerging unscathed on the other side.
The Holy Spirit recently brought this to my mind. He reminded me to keep my thoughts on Jesus, not the wave of fear. Because while under the waves, I’m not alone. He’s right there with me.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 ESV
Shift our Focus away from Fear
As followers of Christ, we possess the ability to shift our focus from fear to the comforting presence of Jesus. Just as waves relentlessly crash onto the shore, our world persistently tries to instill fear in us. It strives to keep us off balance and reactive. The world urges us to rely on its solutions, seeking to gain more control over us. But we have the choice to resist this and instead, fix our gaze on Jesus, the unwavering source of our strength and peace.
Jesus offers a different view on life. We may find ourselves up to our necks in the ocean of life, but when we pray and seek Him, He gives us wisdom on what to do. Jesus, as Lord of our lives, can keep us from reacting out of fear and show us the safe way through the waves. We can avoid these endless waves of emotional turmoil and experience His unimaginable peace.
Have a Plan
Experienced surfers and swimmers manage their energy, take their time, and are smart about being in the ocean. They have a clear game plan of what to do when a wave breaks, how to stay calm, and how to navigate the chaos. When that scary wave rears up and is about to break on their head, they are ready. As a result, they can get anywhere without using their energy fighting waves. Because the surfer’s goal is to surf the perfect wave and the avid swimmer wants to swim past the waves, it’s crucial not to be overwhelmed by what challenges them along the way.
What’s your plan? During difficult times, it’s important not to succumb to fear. Instead, spend time in prayer, worship, and reading the Bible or other Christian literature. Avoid sources of negative news that perpetuate fear. Choose to focus on faith and encourage others to do the same. Despite the chaos, there can still be moments of peace. When you regain your strength, help others and offer them support and encouragement. You may consider forwarding this article to them.
When a big wave approaches you, instead of getting pulled under and tossed around in the swell, learn to remain calm in the chaos and realize that you must let it pass. Then, you will find peace.
Are you ready to Duck Dive? If so, take a deep breath and dive under the wave. Let the craziness of the world pass you by. Glide through your day and then emerge on the other side of the chaos.
Dear reader,
I have a deep love and appreciation for the ocean, and I find that it has many valuable lessons to teach us. I hope you found the explanation about the Duck Dive and its connection to faith to be enlightening. Below you’ll find links to some summer blog posts that I’ve written. Wishing you a fantastic summer ahead!
Best regards, Kim
It’s funny, I’ve used the same ocean imagery when dealing with depression. The times when I am overwhelmed by sadness, I imagine being at that point where the waves are crashing right where I’m standing. I give myself “permission” to duck under the waves of sadness by retreating under water, allowing the wave to pass over me. It’s helped me on many occasions. God calls us to the deep!
Amen