“Don’t let go, Dad!”
“I won’t. I’ve got you. I promise.”
I was a little boy and scared of the water, but my dad wanted me to learn to swim. He would take me away from the side of the pool into a depth that was over my head, where he was my only support. Then he would teach me to relax and float.

It wasn’t just a swimming lesson; it was a lesson in trust. I knew my dad loved me and would never leave me in the deep end of the pool, but I was still afraid. I would hold on tightly to his neck as he kept telling me it was all OK. Finally his patience and kindness won, and I began to swim. But I had to trust him first.

Sometimes when I feel ‘out of my depth’ in problems, I remember those swimming lessons with my dad. They remind me to focus on an even better support. God told His people: “Even to your old age . . . I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you” (ISA. 46:4).

We may not always be able to feel God holding us up and keeping our heads above the water, but He has promised to never leave us (HEB. 13:5). As we focus on His care and promises, He helps us learn to trust in His faithfulness. He lifts us above our worries to find peace and calm in Him.  

By: James Banks

To Pray About . . .

Father, thank You for carrying me through life. Please give me faith to trust that You are always with me.