Let the Waters Rise

Training for Today: Run 4.5 miles

Devotion: Let the Waters Rise

The inspiration for today’s devotion comes from two sources. The first is Psalm 32:6-7, which reads:


“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

Picture for a moment the godly person referred to in this psalm when the mighty waters rise but don’t reach him. What does your picture look like? Is it literal? Do you picture someone being carried or lifted just high enough above the raging waters that he or she stays dry? In your image, pay attention to the contrast between the mighty waters rising and the position of being untouchable. In my mind, the contrast involves total distress and chaos on the one hand, with peace, security, and trust on the other hand. The psalmist refers to God as his hiding place. I love this image. If I have a secure place to hide, why should I fear the rising waters?

The second source of inspiration comes from a song that captured my attitude and attention during one of my losses. It’s appropriately titled, “Let the Waters Rise” by Mikeschair. As you read the lyrics, remember your early moments of loss when you may have felt that the waters were rising too quickly around you. Then, imagine yourself in the hiding place that’s described in the psalm above. Imagine yourself being held securely in your Father’s hands. As I look back on my own experience, I know that I was being held in this way. It was God’s protection that empowered me to say, “OK, Lord. If this is your will, let the waters rise.” Check out the words:

Don't know where to begin
Its like my world's caving in
And I try but I can't control my fear
Where do I go from here?

Sometimes it’s so hard to pray
When You feel so far away
But I am willing to go
Where you want me to
God, I trust You

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

I will swim in the deep
'Cuz You'll be next to me
You're in the eye of the storm
And the calm of the sea
You'll never out of reach

God, You know where I've been
You were there with me then
You were faithful before
You'll be faithful again
I'm holding Your hand
There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You
God Your love is enough
You will pull me through
I'm holding onto You
God Your love is enough
I will follow You
I will follow You
Ohhh

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees

So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

Here’s a link to the actual song if you’d like to listen to it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIkQ7YVys_A

Prayer
Dear Lord, let the waters rise if you want them to. I know I’m safe in your hands! Should disaster, danger, or loss threaten me, remind that my life is yours. I will follow you! Amen.