The Wave

Our family went to an amusement water park today. I've always heard about the Tidal Wave Pool, but I've never experienced it for myself until today. Before we got into the pool, we stood by and observed to see what all the excitement was about. We saw people going about their merry way, playing, talking, splashing, laughing, and enjoying themselves. After scanning the pool, we focused our eyes on the wall from which the tidal wave would emerge. When the tidal wave finally made its appearance, people were screaming in excitement and some in alarm (the same way people scream while on a roller coaster). We stood by and watched the large tower of water forcefully crash into all the people. The wave had so much power that most people were thrown, or at least moved from the place they were were initially standing. The first half of the people hit with the tidal wave had no control, and went wherever the wave tossed them; these people were swallowed by it. The group behind them were also tossed, with much impact and force as the wave came crashing down on them. But as the wave rolled through the rest of the pool, it eventually lost the energy it began with; however, it was still able to impact even those in the very back. Those in the back, who didn't plant their feet and purposely resist the water's thrust, were still jolted a bit, to which they took a step or two to rebalance themselves. Sadly however, we witness a child (no more than 7 years old) get swept away and thrown into the wall a few feet behind her; she was audibly crying after the blow.

Then following the huge wave, came a less forceful wave, and then another. Smaller waves bounced here and there around the pool, until no trace of the tidal wave was left. The water died down and subsided, as well as the screams; however, the after effect was very much present. People were laughing, some were in shock, and others were already bracing themselves for the next one. We found that some small children were crying, most likely those who were afraid of the wave, or didn't have a good experience (like the little girl). Then I observed the many parent-child scenarios in the pool. There were three that stood out to me. Some children were right next to their parent in the water, anticipating and getting ready for the wave and all it had to deliver. They were expectant, fearless, and ready for what was coming (we will call them group one). Other children were there, yet, visibly afraid. They nervously held their parent's hand, or stood behind them (let's call them group two). I also saw some parents holding their child on their hip. These children had their faces buried in their parent's shoulder or chest, and legs tightly wrapped around their parent (this is group three). When the wave came again, group one seemed to have the most fun. They were right alongside their parent(s), enjoying themselves and exhibiting the most confidence. The second group let out sighs and chuckles of relief. They seemed glad it was over, gaining a bit more courage and confidence, but still relieved (I sense them thinking that maybe it wasn't as bad as they thought it would be). The last group, group three, was the least confident, and didn't want to be in the pool except on their parent's hip. They were still shaken up a bit, trying to process what had just happened. As I observed this, the Lord spoke to me.

God spoke to my spirit, and said that the tidal wave represents the things life throws at us. Like the wave, problems don't necessarily announce their coming. People only started screaming when the water started rumbling and rising, that's when they knew the tidal wave was actually on its way. Similar to occurrences in our lives, we don't see problems coming, until it smacks us in the face, or just seconds right before its blow. Life is normal, fine, or nothing out of the ordinary, when all of a suddenly; we see this huge problem rising up to overtake us. ¬†This could be a doctor's diagnoses, broken relationship, job loss, or other conflict. But God says to us all, have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

Let's compare your state of mind with those in the water. Imagine us as the children, and God as the parent. Maybe you are the group (group 3) who refuses to look at the wave or even step into the water, and you just need to be held by God. God's Word says, ‘For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock’ (Psalm 27:5). Listen to His Word, what exactly is He saying to you? I want you to take this time to bask under God's shelter and His protection. It's normal to experience fear or worry, but do not let those emotions overtake you. I don't mean to sound unsympathetic, but God is bigger than your problem. He is bigger than all our problems combined! So dig deeper into His Word. Get to know God and his true character! I imagine group two, the ones standing behind their parents, using their parent as a safe shelter thinking, it is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man (Psalm 118:8). If you're in this group, that is a good thought; however, you are still fearful. You need to continuing trusting in the Lord, and relying on God for strength. It's ok to stay under God's covering, but you must build up your faith, courage and trust. The first group has taken God's Word that says ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’ (John 14:27), and believe it's power and truth. They were the ones hit first, yet, they are not afraid as the wave consumed them. These people are all in with God, putting all their faith and confidence in God. They had no control over the wave or themselves the moment they were ambushed by the wave, but they know that no matter what, they will be ok. They trust the Lord so much, that we don’t see any signs of fear. These are believers who are firm in their faith!

Aren't our problems in life, a lot similar to the tidal wave? Even after the big wave, comes small bumpy waves (pesky problems) that still knock us off our feet or at least try to, but Psalms 62:6 says truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Please read this verse and believe it. My goal is for all of us to be like that group (one) standing at the front lines of the wave, fearless! We may all be at different stages in our walk with God, but I believe we can all have this kind of courage. The type of courage that gives us peace, that regardless of what is coming, we are joyful because of God's presence/protection/power. We ought to trust him like how it says in the Bible, ‘Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us’ (Psalm 62:8). So the next time you see a wave (big or small), I hope you will remember this message, plant your feet firmly, and say, Lord I trust You! The Bible also says be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD (Psalm 31:24).

Let us do this, and pray.

Lord God,

Thank you for speaking to my spirit today. What a powerful, yet simple message you have given me to share. I praise you. Also Lord, thank you for your scriptures the remind us that You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Father, help us to trust you and to remain calm through trials and times of testing. Help the readers, no matter what stage they may be in. Be their shelter, hold them, and give them confidence, courage, and peace. Lord, You are gentle and kind; You are our Protector and Physician. There is nothing you cannot handle. Help us to be fearless like group one. To stand firm and brace ourselves for whatever comes our way. You are our strength and shelter, and there is nothing too big for You! You are almighty God, the God who parted the Red Sea, the One who raised Lazarus from the dead, the One who fed the 5,000! Remind us Lord, that You are only a prayer away, and show us how to trust you. As the readers call out to you in their times of trouble and need, hear them and deliver them. Let Your Will be done in their lives. I pray all this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayerfully,

Pam