One summer, I was swimming in one of the Northwest's beautiful lakes, just relaxing, happy to be in the water with nothing to do. Floating on my back, the water carried me—and I rested in it. God began speaking to me: This is what it's like when you let go and trust me. Lay back, and let me carry you. I'll fully support you—there's no need to worry. Just enjoy life with me.
We often get so wrapped up in our own busyness or troubles that we forget to enjoy life. We forget to rest in the security of his care over us. Proverbs assures us of it: "He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones" (Proverbs 2:7–8 NIV). So much negative emotion is spent on our present circumstances and future concerns that no room is left for inner rest. Instead of dwelling on what is wrong, or what could go wrong, yield to him—submit to his will. Know that he's got you, and everything's going to be okay. Enjoy life with him.
Like a current flowing through the water, so is God's guiding Spirit through our lives. When we yield to him, our lives take their natural course. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5–6 NIV 1984). When we push against his pull, we end up with a lot of exhaustion, frustration, pain, and struggle that are avoidable. God never promised a trouble-free life—after all, we live in a world with the freedom to generate trouble for ourselves and others, sometimes on a massive scale. However, we can avoid a lot of hardship by simply listening to God, trusting him, and letting Him draw us in the direction of his will.
May grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:2)
