Daily Devotional

It was a peaceful moment.  My mom was gently teaching me to float on my back in the river. With me in tow, she walked on the riverbed backwards. All of a sudden, my mom unexpectedly fell into a deep hole in the riverbed.

I remember it clearly to this day…. My mom is entangled with me in the struggle. Clinging to her, I drag her under. Pushed up, I gasp for air and once again fall under water. My movements under water are not rhythmic. I am in full stage panic, flaying through the water and clawing for the surface. The water is my prison and I am fighting for a gulp of air.  Another quick breath of air and I am down again underwater. We are in trouble!  Up and down we go. I don’t remember how long my mom and I fought for air.  Just when I thought I was done, a strong arm grabbed me up and out of the water into his arms.  My dad had just walked by to check on us and to his horror he saw us drowning. He shuddered to think what would have happened to us if he had not come by when he did.

Consequently, all my life I have been afraid of water. I finally learned to swim in my mid-thirties. I can physically go through the motions of swimming, but my mind is stuck in an uncontrollable state of trepidation. Yes, I have been on boats a few times. It was not fun for me. The boat felt like a floating coffin! While everyone in the boat was laughing and having a grand time, I was cringing and trying to not have a panic attack.

Some years ago, I developed asthma.  Now during an asthma attack I have the same feeling of drowning but I am on dry land.  How has God helped me cope with this feeling of drowning that plagues my life? There are four things He has taught me.

1. Accept my limitations. Only Jesus is perfect.
   
   
2. Trust the Lord. He knows the days I will live on earth. He will give His peace.
   
   
3. Stop focusing so much on what I can’t do and start focusing on what I can do.  I may not be able enjoy being in a boat on the water…but I absolutely love being on the shore. Taking a walk on the beach and hearing the ocean roar is one of favorite things.
   
   
4. I talk to family members and friends about my fear of drowning. They have been understanding and supportive. They accept me in spite of my limitation. Most of all, God gives me reassurance and peace. 

What are you gasping for?  It may not be air like me. God knows your distress and hears your cry for help. He will answer.

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.