King David says in Psalms 23:6 (KJV):

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

When I was younger, I almost drowned.

Growing up in the islands, going to the beach or a nearby river was a regular activity. Like literally, we would go to the beach, or the river at least once, or twice each month. The average daily temperature in the Caribbean islands is quite high at 27°C (80°F) each day. No snow, no hail, no tornadoes. Every day it’s either rain or brilliant sunshine. To me though, when I was younger, it seemed much cooler.

So back to my story.  Looking back, I was probably about 6 or 7 years old. I had already learnt to swim and had gone to a small beach with my uncle and family members. Sometimes my uncle would take us kids to do fun things like go out for ice-cream or visit the seaside. My uncle is still alive, not sure if he even will remember this incident, but I do. 

If truth be told, I almost drowned on more than one occasion! I am grateful to be alive! The seas surrounding my island can range from being extremely calm to extremely rough. It depends on your preference. Surfing is a past time at some beaches too.

This particular beach is known to have a very steep drop as you enter the water. Anyway, I was playing games in the water. The waves were lazily rolling. But every time it rolled, it would lift my feet off the ground. This one wave rolled, and of course, when you’re playing in the water, you won’t see every wave coming your way. Anyone who frequents beaches knows that waves are  always consistent. They never stop rolling!

Anyway the wave rolled, lifted my feet off the ground and then I went under the water. I remember it being dark. The water was a dark green. I started to flounder, with my feet off the ground. I couldn’t quite catch my bearings. The worst thing to happen while you are in the water is to be submerged and out of control. I panicked.  For those of us growing up near the sea, undercurrents in the water can easily grab you at any time. Even as child, right then and there, I knew I needed help. I was drowning!

Out of nowhere…it seemed… a hand grabbed me, it was my uncle. I felt myself being drawn out of the water and into the air. It felt as if someone reached out and pulled me from the dark into the light. I felt relieved and happy. And then as any normal child…I resumed playing in the water… as if nothing ever happened! It turned out to be a great day! I am not sure if he knew that he saved me that day. I never told him.

I never forgot that day. I never forgot what my uncle did that day. Looking back, he must have seen me disappear or floundering at some point.  I never asked, he never mentioned the incident. I don’t know if he will ever read, or even see this article. Thank you Uncle Lindsay!

Every day it seems we are floundering…gasping for air. Drowning in the daily trials of our lives. Drowning in debt. Drowning in sorrow and sadness. Drowning in grief. Drowning in anger. Drowning in illness and disease. Drowning in loneliness. Drowning in divorce. Drowning in bitterness. Drowning in unforgiveness. There are sooooo many ways to drown and still be alive!

God’s Goodness

Do you know that God’s goodness is running after you right now? You may be floundering…drowning and then, God reaches down, and pulls you into the light. Invites you to rest and dwell in His house forever. He saves us everyday. Sometimes we recognize it.  Most times we don’t.

God, Himself addresses Joshua and says in Joshua 1:9 (MSG),

“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”

Today I am reminding you that God is with you everywhere you go. Every trial, every tribulation, every joy, every sorrow. He encourages us to be courageous. His Hands are there to pull us out of despair and to protect us from drowning…tumbling in the face of trials and tribulations. And if we do fall, God is there to pick us up. His goodness and love is constantly running after us.

Let’s look at Psalms 23:6 (MSG) again, it says,

“Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.”

Not only does God rescue us from drowning but he gives beauty too. And it’s not a one time deal, it’s a lifetime of love and beauty. Who would want to pass up this offer?  Not me! Instead of waves of despair, allow yourself to be covered and submerged in God’s beauty and love. Stop drowning.  Choose goodness today.