The seemingly simple plight of fitting in has left even the strongest nailed to the coffin. We try this, then that; go here and there...we get pulled into the tide and sucked down into a whirlpool of danger before we realize what's happened. The world is a pretty place as is the ocean, the pleasures of this world and its escapes seem nice, peaceful, and inviting. How could we possibly see any danger through the murky water? How will we know if the water is shallow or deep?
We can't.
Our eyes do not have the capability of seeing so far ahead or down. There is only one way to know what path to take and which stairs to climb.
By trusting, praying, and relying on God!
" For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."-Prov. 3:26
We question whether something is right or wrong and go with instinct or what we want to be the answer. But do we ask God what he wants us to do? Further-more, how often do we listen to and follow that answer once it is given to us?
If you have ever been in a position where right and wrong coincided, then you know what I'm talking about.
"But" you might think "It was upon me before I knew what was happening. I didn't have time to pray!"
We can't see!
We are essentially blind compared to God. He is our eyes so why not let Him guide the way and see for us. The path he chooses for us will always be the correct one! Perhaps it is even one we don't know about...
Now, if we are blind and likely to fall, wouldn't it be wisest to have Him be our guide before it is too late and we "don't have time to pray" because we are so far in? We are clearly going to stumble without a guide-all blind people do-and that stumble will bring us beneath the waves. "My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:22 So shall there be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble."-Prov 21-23
Though it may seem impossible to turn back once we are engulfed, God can reach in and pull us out if we simply ask: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." -Matthew 7:7-8
This brings me to my point: Why allow ourselves to be pulled into the current and dragged down?
The world brings distractions and temptations. Fitting in is always a must. Etc. Etc.
Think about it though, when we have been praying and relying on God, we are listening to His voice and more willing to follow His directions. As He has already seen the dangers ahead and around us, He is warning us. As long as we are listening, we will hear it and not only know where to turn away but also have the strength to do it.
We may not always fit in but this is sometimes a good thing. Others don't have our guide and will swim and sink with the tide. But by resisting the tide, we are in fact rising above it...perhaps we can start our own standard and bring people up with us rather than being brought down by them.
Just a thought...
