Standing on the shore and looking into the ocean always fills me with awe. The ocean is a powerful force of nature. For as far as the eye can see, it is water. Sometimes calm and serene, and other times full of danger and destruction. The sound of waves lapping ashore relaxes me, and I thank God for the beauty of his creation. I love sitting in a chair by the water’s edge and feeling the water and sand between my toes as the waves rush to shore. This activity is enough for me because several years ago, I was in the ocean enjoying my day, and suddenly, my right leg felt a jolt and then terrible pain. I had been stung by a jellyfish. That one experience has made me cautious about frolicking in the ocean again. Seeing jellyfish in the water is difficult because they are the most well-known transparent creatures. The jellyfish sting their prey and unsuspecting swimmers. I can’t get upset because entering the ocean means entering their domain. I assume the risk.
Walking on the beach, I can easily see jellyfish that have washed ashore. The jellyfish no longer blend in and are easy to spot against the sand. This observation led me to think about predators in my faith. Am I too close to where the predators live that I can’t see them? Do I willingly enter their domain, or do I stay frolicking so long that I eventually get stung? As I considered this concept, I thought about Lot, Abraham’s nephew. (Genesis) Lot traveled around with his uncle, and after some time, they split up, and each took a territory. Lot settled near Sodom. He set up his home away from the people living there, but over time, he moved inside the city gates and became like the people he was supposed to be apart from. Lot had moved in with predators to his faith and beliefs. He was in their midst and in danger of being stung. Even after his rescue, the way of life in this community affected his daughters. Exposure to ways of living contrary to God’s way led them to commit an unimaginable act with their Father. A predator’s sting could last for a long time. The effects of bearing children from an incestuous act had consequences for generations and altercations with Israel years later.
I must be diligent in where I go and the people I am surrounded by. I need daily wisdom from God’s word to see the territory I swim in with open eyes and an open heart. Just like in the ocean, there are threats all around me. I learned to shuffle my feet to stir up the water and sand to lessen the chance of being stung. I need to learn how to spot predators in my life: spiritual, emotional, and physical. The signs are there. I have to be willing to see them.
This Idea became apparent as I walked along a marina one day. As I meandered along, I was looking at the beautiful boats docked. I looked down at the water, and all around the boats, on top of the still water, were many jellyfish, easily seen. I realized that is how I need to live my life. Not in the chaos of waves rushing ashore, but apart from the turmoil where I can see what is evident to the naked eye. Suppose I willingly subject myself to dangerous positions. In that case, I am more likely to get engulfed in activities that harm me and do not glorify God. The closer I live to Jesus, the less the tumult of life will be able to distract me. Jesus came to be our Savior. He offers us abundant life and inexplicable joy and peace. Just as Abraham was allowed to rescue Lot and his family – Christ came to save us. As born-again believers in Christ, we have the Holy Spirit to direct our steps. When we misstep and get pricked, he is there to guide us back to the safety of living in the Father’s plan and will for our lives.
This world is challenging, and plenty of people and situations plunge us into dangerous territories. It is imperative for our survival to stay close to God. I do this through personal Bible time and group Bible studies. Also, it is essential to be surrounded by fellow believers. I am most vulnerable to attack from Satan when I am alone and isolated. God has given us the Church to build one another up and to help each other. Animals travel in packs in the wild to increase their chances of survival. I am learning to lean on friends and family to help strengthen me and mitigate the effects of a frontal assault from my enemy.
It is impossible to avert every entanglement that is in our life. Sometimes, we have no choice but to “swim with the jellyfish.”We must go to work, where the predators may be out in full force. School and social situations may also present opportunities for us to be stung by the world. Beware of stingers when walking in the predator’s domain. People have needed to take caution for thousands of years. Proverbs 22:3 tells us, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Danger from the world we live in is not a new concept. Psalms 91:3-7 tells us of the help, protection, and freedom from fear available to us through the power of God. And 2 Samuel 22:3-4 shows us that God saves us from our enemies.
Whenever I venture into the ocean, I put myself in a world that belongs to all the sea creatures. I will never live in the ocean and be a part of that world. However, I will continue living on Earth until God calls me to Heaven. While alive, I must be wary of the places and situations I put myself in. I must pray daily for protection and God’s wisdom to guide me through the daily obstacles. Before Jesus’ arrest, he prayed for his disciples. He asked God to “protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one.” John 17:11. Jesus went on to pray for all who will believe in Jesus through the disciple’s message, John 17:20. What an encouragement to know that Jesus prayed and continues to pray for us. This world can be dangerous, and we don’t need to help the enemy by being reckless in the situations we place ourselves in. Our greatest hope is what Jesus told the disciples in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”.
Praise God!!
Peace in the Desert 