“When he asks, he must believe & not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown & tossed by the wind” (James 1:6).
I recently took a trip to the beach. In years past, I loved riding a good wave in to the shore. This trip was different. I tried swimming out in the ocean, but was sucked under by a wave. I tried st&ing in the water, but the strength needed to maintain my balance was too difficult for me, causing my back & stomach muscles to spasm. I spent the remainder of the trip looking at the ocean rather than being in it.
Many of us may know the sensation of being pulled under & tossed by a breaking wave. It can be frightening as well as dangerous. When I doubt or question God & His faithfulness, I may experience similar feelings. Although the previous verse in this passage is a request for wisdom, I believe it can be applied to everything in my spiritual life.
There are countless times when I am worried, anxious, fearful, or discouraged about my health or circumstances. I pray for peace or guidance but then I continually dwell on my concerns, not leaving the results in God’s h&s. This causes unnecessary turmoil within me, & I feel blown & tossed by the waves of my emotions & doubts. God will bring about what He has planned & give me the grace & mercy to h&le whatever may come. I need to leave my requests in with Him rather than continually taking them back.
On those beach trips years ago, I not only enjoyed riding a few crests in to shore but also swimming out beyond them to float on the gentle waves. That is where I need to be now – lifted up on the peaceful swells of faith & trust, rather than dragged to shore by the crashing breakers of my doubts.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the faith to totally trust You for what is happening in my life & body, for You do not speak & then not act– You do not promise & then not fulfill (Numbers 23:19). Amen.
About the Author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA & is blessed to have the support & encouragement of a wonderful husb& & three grown daughters. God’s grace & strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, & fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
