POV: You Thought I’d Move

In May, I visited the wonderful island of Barbados. While relaxing and frolicking at Enterprise Beach in Oistins, Barbados, I experienced the power of the ocean in a way that translated to a spiritual lesson.

As I was in the water, and the waves rolled toward the shore, the force of the water tried to pull me with them. Sometimes the waves were so large they completely toppled over my body, and at times the waves were so strong that they completely knocked me off my feet. Then, as the water rushed back out to sea, the current tried to pull me farther into the ocean than I wanted to go. In both directions, I felt the pressure. One force pushed me forward, while another tried to drag me deeper, both pulling me away from where I intended to stand.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/f9a32c_1b1e7be8ab4142a8bd454194db719c8a/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Yet through it all, there was something beneath me that made the difference: a hard, solid sea floor. As long as my feet remained planted on that firm foundation, I was safe. The waves were powerful. The currents were relentless. The water pushed and pulled from every direction, BUT the foundation beneath me kept me from being carried away. 

As I reflected on that experience, I was reminded of Jesus' words: "Abide in Me, and I in you" (John 15:4). The Greek word for abide used here means to continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, and stand. In other words, abiding means remaining connected, rooted, and planted in Christ and refusing to be moved from the place where He has planted you. 

To abide requires trust. It means believing that even when the waves are strong and the currents are pulling, the foundation beneath you is stronger than the forces around you.  When you abide in Christ, the waves may not stop immediately, but His foundation holds. 

Despite the strong currents, I still enjoyed being in the water. I remained steadfast, trusting the solid seafloor beneath my feet. I was able to enjoy the experience because I knew where my footing was. I could appreciate the beauty of the ocean, laugh when the waves knocked me over, and continue standing despite the constant push and pull around me.  The currents raged around me, but they did not steal my joy. 

The same is true in the spiritual realm. When you are anchored in Christ and abiding in Him, He becomes your firm foundation. Even when everything around you is shaking and the currents of life are pulling you in every direction, you can still have joy. Your security is not found in calm circumstances but in the One upon whom you stand.

You're safe standing on the Firm foundation of Christ. He is faithful (2 Timothy 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Hebrews 10:23, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:24). He will protect you (John 16:33, Psalm 23:4, Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 91:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Romans 8:31). He will keep you (Philippians 4:6–7, John 15:4, Romans 8:38–39, Jude 1:24, Hebrews 13:5).

Life often feels like those ocean currents. Sometimes circumstances push us in directions we never intended to go. Other times, trials, temptations, disappointments, or distractions try to pull us deeper than we planned. We may find ourselves being pushed by one force and pulled by another, wondering if we will lose our footing. When our lives are anchored in Christ, we are standing on something stronger than what is pushing against us.

The pressure may feel overwhelming. At times, you may even feel temporarily submerged beneath circumstances that seem stronger than you.  Yet, because your foundation is secure, you are not swept away.

The Lord reminds us in Isaiah: "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." (Isaiah 43:2 NLT)  Notice that God does not say we will never face deep waters. He promises that when we go through them, He will be with us.

Just like I enjoyed the ocean despite the currents, we can still experience joy in the midst of life’s challenges, not because the currents aren't real, but because our confidence is in the One who holds us steady. What seeks to overwhelm us can only go so far because the Lord Himself stands between us and what would destroy us.

This truth is beautifully expressed in the song “Firm Foundation” by Maverick City Music and Cody Carnes. A portion of the songs says: 

Christ is my firm foundation

The Rock on which I stand

When everything around me is shaking

I've never been more glad

That I put my faith in Jesus

'Cause He's never let me down

He's faithful through generations

So why would He fail now?

He won't. He won't. 

I've still got joy in chaos

I've got peace that makes no sense

So I won't be going under

I'm not held by my own strength

'Cause I build my life on Jesus

He's never let me down

He's faithful in еvery season

So why would He fail now?

He won't. He won't. He won't fail 

Let's be clear, the waves never disappeared. I felt every push and pull, and still had to stand. I had to trust that the foundation beneath me was greater than the force of the current. The current may be strong, but God's power is stronger. 

God does not always remove the waves, but He sustains us through them. He provides the solid ground we need to stand. What tries to pull us too far is met by His strength. What tries to overwhelm us is met by His grace.  What threatens to sweep us away is stopped by His faithfulness.

Today, if you feel pulled in different directions or pushed by circumstances beyond your control, stay on the firm foundation. Stay rooted in Christ, the solid rock. The waves may move around you, but they do not have the final say. As long as you abide in Him, you are held secure. You are kept by His power. You are safe in His arms.

The current was real. The waves were strong, BUT the Rock beneath my feet is stronger and always will be.