A few years ago I had the opportunity to meet my husband, mid-deployment, in Bali. While there, we were given “Sea Walker” tickets; basically pseudo-diving for amateurs. A heavy helmet was placed on our heads and we were submerged 30 feet to the ocean floor. We were then free to roam around, looking at God’s spectacular underwater tropical creation. The key though, was that we had to hold onto a maze of pipes that would keep us close enough to the boat above to maintain oxygen flow and protect us from the unregulated Balinese speed boat tours on every side. The beauty of God’s creation was right in front of us; we just had to choose to hold on, with both hands, to the right source of protection.
There is a lot of discussion these days about “detachment”. We are instructed to detach from the world, detach from technology, detach from our desires. This is all good, but what if we focused instead on what we should be attached to? When we have two hands holding tightly onto God, it is difficult to try to grab onto anything else. Jesus says in John 15:4, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
Today, the world is pressing in more than ever; we are tired, and we long for security. Holding on to what the world says is secure is such a huge temptation. It is easy to consider just letting go of what we know is good for what looks intriguing. But holding instead onto God, the source of our strength, will provide security, growth and a more clear view of the beauty that may be waiting right in front of us.
As you start, or finish your day, pray this Scripture back to God; holding onto his promises and continuing to dedicate your life to him:
Ephesians 3:14-21: For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Lynette Fuson
Director of Women’s Ministry