Regaining Our Footing!

A number of years ago, very soon after arriving at a lake not far from where we live, my attention was caught by a group of people getting into a canoe. As they launched out into the lake I also noticed a young child standing in the water at one end of the canoe who appeared to be associated with the group. However, those in the canoe seemed oblivious to his presence there. As the canoe was departing, the child reached forward to give it a shove, but in the process of doing so he stepped out further into the lake. Finding himself in OVER HIS HEAD, he pushed off from the bottom only to launch himself out further. And each subsequent bob took him yet farther away from the shore. Seeing he was obviously unable to swim I quickly jumped in and helped him out of the water.

Perhaps some of us have had the experience of losing our footing and going under. The tragedy is when people in life suddenly become aware they are in OVER THEIR HEAD and don’t know where to turn for help. They may try their best to “tread water” or “hold their breath” hoping their situation will soon pass, but by their own efforts are unable to regain their footing. It is also sad when those around them are oblivious to their dilemma.

Note David’s description of his own experience.
“For MY INIQUITIES HAVE GONE OVER MY HEAD; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.” ( Psalm 38:4 ESV)

When one gets in OVER THEIR HEAD, weighed down by the burden of sin, how can they possibly keep their head above water? Remember how when Jonah ignored God he found himself in OVER HIS HEAD. David did not minimize his sin nor did he deny the struggle. He recognized his situation and the great need for help. Left to self one is more likely to launch themselves further into deep waters.

David (a couple psalms later) referred to the help He received from God.
“HE DREW ME UP from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and SET MY FEET UPON A ROCK, making my steps secure.” ( Psalm 40:2 ESV)

If the dilemma of sin was something we could have handled ourselves, there would have been no need for Christ to have given His life on the cross. It is there that the burden of our sins was adequately dealt with. However, we need to be in Him in order to receive the blessing of the complete cleansing His blood provides. The only way we could ever hope to keep our head above water is to have been buried with Him in the waters of baptism to rise and walk in a new life ( Romans 6:1-4), thus becoming a new creation in Him ( 2 Corinthians 5:17), and being lifted up by Him and placed where we can have a firm footing on which to stand. When Peter began to sink it was the Lord, not the disciples he called upon to save Him. ( Matthew 14:30) We also must look to Jesus for our salvation.

Have a great day MAKING JESUS TO BE OUR LIFEGUARD!
Carl

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