Some days, it feels like the whole world is crashing down on me. Like I am out in the middle of an ocean during a vicious storm with only a broken tree branch to cling on to. I try to hold on, but the waves are pulling me under, and I am losing strength. Within moments the salt water fills my lungs. I start choking. My nose burns and my oxygen intake is little to none. I'm suffocating. I try to cry out for help, only to consume more water.
I have lost all hope.
The sky grows dark and the atmosphere around me trembles. Tears trickle down my face as I watch flames burst into the sky, tainting all that is around them. This is the end.
I try to go to sleep, hoping this is all just a bad dream.
Still hugging the branch, I awaken. My hair is tangled with seaweed and my face is caked with mud. Alone and afraid, a tear makes its way down my face, clearing a path of dirt. Exhausted, I allow the serene winds to soothe my wistful weeping. Not too far away, I see a hand reaching out to me.
My cries were not ignored. It's all going to be OK.
The hand belongs to a lifeguard, but not just any lifeguard -- this lifeguard walks on water. He is our Savior. Let that sink in for a moment: Our lifeguard walks on water. How cool is that?
Unfortunately, some incidents can lead to the lifeguard drowning along with the victim they tried to rescue. But God? God never drowns; he is always there, waiting to save us.
"The Lord upholds all who fall..." - Psalm 145:14
All we have to do is reach out to him.
"The Lord is full of compassion and mercy" (James 5:11) and he loves us all so much that he gave his only son (John 3:16). Our Lord will not abandon us, even in the hardest times.
"Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" - Isaiah 43:1-2
This does not mean that times will always be easy, but it does mean that God will always be there to help us and protect us.
Furthermore, he is ultimately the only one that can save us from evil, giving us everlasting life.
Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save" - Psalm 146:3
Although it is important to trust others, it is not a guarantee; people can turn on us (or drown with us) at any moment. God, however, will never leave us.
"Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" - Deuteronomy 31:6
The next time you feel caught in a storm or like everyone is turning against you, reach out to God. He will not abandon you, nor will he drown you. It may not be easy, but I can promise you it will be worth it because our lifeguard walks on water, and I believe that is the greatest type of lifeguard anyone can ask for.
