Wave upon Wave--of Panic

 We had a wonderful family vacation recently with four of our grandchildren. We visited theme parks, and spent a week at our time-share. We had a great week making memories and having fun. The best money we spent, however, was at the water park. Summer in Florida is best spent in water, trust me. We raced down body slides, ravaged the two man 'coaster', flew helter-skelter down the family raft, and floated idly down the lazy river. 

My nemesis, however, was the wave pool. I have a love-hate relationship with the ocean. Love to look at it, hate to go in it. Sorry, all you beach lovers, but I have had a couple of very bad experiences with your friend. 

Years ago, when we were very young, my husband nearly drowned in the Pacific Ocean at a California beach. If it weren't for his younger brother, and the providence of God, he would not be here. His brother, on a whim, went out to where John was 'playing' in the waves to find that he was nearly unconscious and literally saved his life. The undertow was so bad they had to call for the lifeguards to get him back to shore. About 15 years later, while in the Bahamas, I had a similar experience. Coming in from snorkeling, I got caught in an undertow, and could not get to shore. I remembered to swim parallel to the shore. I grew extremely tired before I could finally swim toward the beach, at which time the waves were pounding me relentlessly into the sand. I sincerely thought I was not going to make it back.

Both of these instances left me with a distaste for wave action. Call it PTSD if you want, or just paranoia. I just don't like it. So when we voluntarily subjected ourselves to it while surrounded by masses of people, I nearly freaked. Okay, maybe I did, a little. The first tidal wave--I'm sure it was--brought a 5-year-old in a life jacket flying directly into my head. After which I was pummeled into the ground. Which was concrete, by the way. Why would anyone do this? I bailed, after being convinced one of my grandchildren were going to drown. It was a miserable experience.

We made a second trip back, and I determined to overcome my fear. Mostly because my grandson really wanted me to go out with him. After some coaching from him on how to navigate the wave action, I followed him out and we got to a place where we were past where the huge wave would break. The wave was released every 90 seconds, so there was time to gather myself after each surge. It was easier without me being tossed and churned like fruit in my Nutribullet blender.

I discovered that when you get beyond the turmoil it is less chaotic, and I learned why the kids loved the wave pool more than any other attraction in the water park. They rode the wave like human seals, recklessly body surfing around other random brave souls. I, on the other hand, bobbed like a shipwreck survivor waiting on rescue. I didn’t panic, however, which I counted as a win. 

I am reminded of how we can let ourselves get overwhelmed by the crushing waves of life. Priorities clamor for top spot, the insane desire to please everyone, and fear. Just fear. The waves come one after another and we find ourselves unable to take a breath before we are being tossed, pummeled, and swept under the weight of the waves. Just when we think we have a moment to grab a breath, here comes another one. How can we ever survive this?

Jesus was sleeping in the ship as the disciples were asking this same question. The waves were surrounding them, threatening to overwhelm them and possibly destroy their vessel. They cried out in fear, “Master, we perish!” Jesus awoke, and with His hand and His words, “Peace, be still,” the winds and waves died down. (I’ve wondered, His hand calmed the sea, were His words for the storm or for the men?) He then gently chastised them. Seriously? For being afraid? No, for their lack of faith. When we let our faith falter, it is generally accompanied by fear. The only way to overcome our fear is to exercise our faith. 

I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3

For I, the Lord Your God, will hold you in my right hand, saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

What are the waves that are threatening to overwhelm you? What worries, fears or burdens in your life are becoming the tidal wave that is creating a sense of panic in you that you may not survive it? Remember the One who has the power and authority to calm the storm with just His hand and His word.