I read a quote recently that described sadness as an ocean. The quote said somedays you drown and others you are forced to swim. As I pondered the analogy I thought of more than drowning or swimming.
Both ends of the statement are true. Seasons of sadness can be overwhelming and all-consuming to the point of feeling like you’re drowning. Sadness can also feel like you’re just trying to swim through it for survival. But swimming in an ocean isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s exhausting. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you’re not skilled at it you’ll attempt to swim and drown instead.
But seasons of sadness are like other aspects of the ocean too. I thought about the times you’re sitting on the sand enjoying the view in front of you only to be surprised by a wave that reaches your spot. Depending on the size of the wave you might move a little and be okay. Continue to enjoy the view around you. Or, the wave knocks your breath of you and you struggle to get up as you feel like you’re destined to drown.
And sometimes you mistakenly think the waves have calmed enough to venture back out, let your guard down, and attempt to enjoy the view around you again just as the next wave hits. The wave might appear to be manageable as it’s approaching so you fail to brace yourself enough and you stumble or fall. Realizing in a moment the power and magnitude of the ocean.
Other times you walk along the edge of the ocean waves hearing the sound, seeing the waves in front of you, but enjoying your walk. They trickle into the sand and cover your toes or ankles with a gentle reminder that it’s there but doesn’t overwhelm. It’s just close by. Close enough to know but not so close you can’t manage through it.
Over the last several weeks I’ve watched so many struggle with all they’re facing in this life. And it’s been hard. I’ve struggled. I’ve cried. I’ve been tired. And I’ve watched others be the same. My daughter once said, I see her sad. Such a simple statement yet so very powerful and insightful. I said, yes. Yes, sad is there. I see it too. That is exactly what I’ve seen as I look around at others. So much sad.
I’ve held the hands of many who are receiving news for them or their family they never wanted to hear. Cancer. Death. Grief. Sickness. Unemployment. Division. Pain. Broken hearts. Oppression. Misunderstanding. Fear. Anxiety. Searching for answers they don’t how to find. Feverishly looking for hope and light to shine through the darkness they’re surrounded by. Consumed by. Trying to swim but choking on the water as it crashes over their face trying to drown them. No life jacket in sight. Desperately searching to find a way past the sad.
It’s been hard to watch and feel. I’ve prayed and wished I could reach inside the sadness to bring a beacon of hope. One that would transform the broken heart. Felt a loss for words. Wished I could hold their hand tighter and love a little harder. So much sad.
So much sad that I cannot fix it.
But I know who can. And he’s the only one. He is the ONLY answer to the sad.
Our answer as Christians to the sad in and around us is found in scripture. The living word of God breathes life into us right in the middle of the most desperate circumstances of our lives. When the waves overwhelm, barely touch, or catch us off guard; his mercy and love are there to bring us joy, peace, and comfort. Psalm 34 is a beautiful passage of hope. Our beacon of light that shines through the darkness of our lives. If we will seek his face.
Before you read this passage; tell yourself; it’s his promise for you.
Psalm 34, NLT
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are discouraged take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. I cried out to the Lord in my suffering, and he heard me. He set me free from all my fears. For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him, and he rescues them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! Let the Lord’s people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing. Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord rescues them from each and every one. For the Lord protects them from the harm – not one of their bones will be broken. Calamity will surely overtake the wicked and those who hate the righteous will be punished. But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. Everyone who trusts in him will be freely pardoned.
Embedded within the passage of scripture, there are instructions for us to heed. Praise. Pray. Taste and see. Show reverence. Turn from evil. Do good. Watch your words. Speak truth. Seek peace. Call out for the Lord. Bring him your broken heart. Serve him. Trust him. That’s our part.
Also embedded within this passage of scripture are promises to us. He answers us. Frees us. Supplies our every need. Teaches us. Live a life that is long and good. His eyes watch over us. His ears are open for our cries. He rescues us. Protects us. Redeems us. And freely pardons us.
Friend, my prayer for you in the sadness of life is that you hear his instruction, seek his face, and receive the goodness he has for you. My prayer is that you find as you seek that he turns your weeping and sorrow into joy and mourning into joyful dancing. (Psalm 30) Yes, the circumstances we face that are sad will often still be there in front of us but we can with him walk along the edge of the waves hearing the sound while we continue on our journey enjoying the view around us. Bobbie
