“HOW TO SURVIVE DROWNING”
(Psalms 140:1-13; 141:1-10; 142:1-7)
“O LORD, I am calling to you. Please hurry! Listen when I cry to you for help!” – Psalm 141:1
During my youth and early adult years, I not only served as a lifeguard, but I was also a certified Red Cross swim instructor and lifeguard trainer. One of the first instructions I gave to lifeguard trainees was this – “tow, throw, row, go.” Often, people think the first thing a lifeguard does in rescuing someone is go in the water after them. But, that should be the last thing they do. First, try to reach them and tow them in. If that isn’t possible then throw a rescue buoy to them, and pull them in. If that isn’t possible, then row a boat out to them. And finally, if none of that is possible, as a last resort, go to them to rescue them. In other words, going in the water is the last resort! If a lifeguard goes in the water, they may end up in trouble!
So, how do you make sure you never drown? Easy. Don’t go near the water!
Too often, we ask “how close to the edge of the water can I get and stay dry?” What we should ask is “how far away from the water can I be so I don’t get in trouble.” Looking at it another way – how close to sin can you get and stay safe? The real question should be how far away from sin can I stay to best serve God?!
Simple Truth:
The choices we make in life determine to a great degree the blessings we receive in life.
Reflections:
- Each day we are presented with many choices about where we go, what we do, and what we say. What choices will you make today?
- No matter what choices you make, there will be times when you experience difficulties and troubles. Know that God is always there, an ever present help in your time of need.
- Sometimes life’s most difficult situations and trials actually serve as training for the work that God has for you in the future! Make a choice to rejoice in all things!
Application:
- Learn to call out to God, to cry to Him for help! He is always listening! (:1)
- Ask God to take control of your lips and what you say! (:3)
- Be careful not to lust after the things of this world! (:4)
- Be willing to receive helpful, corrective, and instructive advice from Christian leaders! (:6)
Closing Prayer:
Lord, may the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be pleasing and acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. Amen. (Psalm 19:14)
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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