Keep My Eyes Above the Waves

Recently I experienced a difficult time in my life. I felt like my life was on track. As though I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. Following God’s calling. Experiencing God in a deeper way. I felt deep down in my heart that I was doing great.

But yet upsets and difficulties were hitting us left and right. Everyone in the family got sick. My daughter missed several days of school. Felt well enough to go back and the very next week got the exact same symptoms. Meanwhile, the dryer, dishwasher and refrigerator were all all on the blink. One was just purchased this year. I was so frustrated.

A bad windstorm came through and we lost huge limbs on several of our trees. The yard was a disaster. The car started giving me trouble and almost left me stranded. Thankful that someone was able to help us get it started and get home. In the meantime, my son came down with a rash over his entire body and we still until this day have no idea what it was.

This all happened within a few short weeks of time during which we were supposed to go on our only family vacation of the year. The enemy was just not giving up. He kept throwing the darts left and right. Out of nowhere. He was trying to divert my attention from God and what he was doing in and through me.

But you know what, I recognized it. It was different this time. I truly recognized it as an attack and I was prepared and I fought back.

The enemy was trying to wear me down. But I held onto truth and I flat out told him that he has NO place in my home.

Tell him who he is. He’s a liar. A thief. A deceiver. Don’t let him steal what is rightfully yours.

But the best part of all was I also noticed the Spirit’s hand upon me, guiding me. Still guiding me despite my circumstances.

This song, Oceans by Hillsong United is such an inspiration to me during tough times.

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

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If you’re facing a really difficult time look beyond the fog, the Spirit is still there leading you. Just as Jesus was led by the Spirit while being tempted by the evil one.

Luke 4: 1 Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for 40 days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.

Just because the Spirit is leading us doesn’t always mean there will be the lush green pastures and glistening streams. We are often led into difficult situations to be tested and tried. In order to be led we must be following something or someone.

Don’t forget who led you here.

Don’t forget who is leading you through.

Don’t forget who you are full of. You are full of the Holy Spirit if you are a child of God.

In Jesus’ instance he was physically hungry from not eating. But often times we are hungry while going through our own wilderness. We should be hungry for God. It should just make us cry out for more. For he is the only one who can fill us up and bring us through.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. 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.

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

There is no other one I want to be following when in life’s dark valleys. And thankfully he’s always there. He doesn’t leave me or abandon me. I just need to keep my eyes on him and off the ‘stuff’.

I’m so glad God brought me through that dark valley and eventually led me to calmer waters. But during that time I had the assurance of His presence and His peace.

What difficult circumstances have you found yourself in recently? Did you notice your God there leading you or did you feel lonely and abandoned?

I’d love to hear and share your circumstances as a community of children. Feel free to shout out your thoughts in the comments.

Love and blessings,

Melanie