The weight of burdens, plus a heavy load of fears, topped off with a mass of gloom will sink anybody down to the depths of despair. The only way to swim is to lighten the load—give it to God.
After taking three years of swimming in high school, I never learned—can’t even float; never got the top part of my suit wet. But, I do know the secret to swimming is to relax your body so the water can hold you up. That’s how it is in the natural, and it works the same way spiritually. The enemy knows we can’t stay afloat in life while he has his foot holding us down.
Without God’s help—we sink!
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
With God’s help—we swim!
Jesus’ yoke is easy; His burden is light. He told us to cast our cares and worries. (I Peter 5:7) As soon as we find ourselves drowning in tribulations, that’s our signal that we are carrying too much weight. Sad to say, but many of us wait longer than we have to before we cast our cares.
Caution: Worrying, tormenting, stressing, taunting, and any other nerve-wracking emotions are just a few signs that we’re drowning.
Gulp, gulp, gulp!
As soon as these symptoms are spotted, it’s important to note that we are under no obligation to finish the thought that is attached to these maladies. Instead, switch gears and call JESUS. If we don’t seek His help, we’ll find ourselves aimlessly flip-flopping through turbulent waves when we could be enjoying the peace of God.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
Every time I feel myself drowning I call out to Jesus. My spirit then begins to get lighter where I can float—then swim. Whatever you might be going through, find a promise of God that speaks to your situation. Then by faith, exchange the weight for the promise. I never learned to swim in the natural, but I am learning to swim spiritually.
Sink or Swim?