The Crashing Waves Lie
This week I have been listening to Casting Crowns in my car. One of my favorite songs on their debut CD is Voice of Truth. The first stanza and chorus are:
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I’m in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He’s holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I’ve tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. ‘Boy, you’ll never win!’
“You’ll never win”
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says “Do not be afraid!”
And the voice of truth says “This is for My glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
As I listened to this song on the way to work this morning, my first thought was that I do wish I had that kind of faith that stays focused on Jesus and steps out of the boat, trusting that He will keep me from drowning in the crashing waves. But then I realized that every time I come to this blog and post something that is intended to glorify God — to exalt Christ and not myself — I step out of the boat. When I post a link on my Facebook account or tell someone about my blog, I’m standing on top of the crashing waves. Once I hit the “publish” button, I have no control over who reads what I have written because this is a public blog. I know that not everyone who reads my words will agree with me. But I trust that God is in control and that if He is pleased with what I write that is all that matters.
There was a time in my life when I did not have this kind of faith. I regularly heard the roar of the crashing waves shout “You’ll never win!” Fear gripped me like handcuffs and a chain tethering me to the boat. I believed at one point that I could not succeed in life, that I could not hold down a full-time job or raise my child properly or be a good wife. But I have succeeded at those things and more. No longer do I listen to the crashing waves, but instead I listen to the voice of Truth, the voice of my Savior telling me I belong to Him and that He will never leave me or forsake me.
We all have a choice. We can listen to the lies of the crashing waves or to the voice of Truth. We can be gripped by fear or held up by faith. I choose the latter. How about you?
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Great post! Oh, how these words blessed me:
“But then I realized that every time I come to this blog and post something that is intended to glorify God — to exalt Christ and not myself — I step out of the boat. When I post a link on my Facebook account or tell someone about my blog, I’m standing on top of the crashing waves. Once I hit the “publish” button, I have no control over who reads what I have written because this is a public blog. I know that not everyone who reads my words will agree with me. But I trust that God is in control and that if He is pleased with what I write that is all that matters.”
Two passages of scripture come to mind:
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 2Timothy 4:2
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:11-12
I have the very same struggle. I often feel ashamed and have thoughts that say “Who do you think you are? How dare you publish thoughts about the Lord. You are a terrible hypocrite, and need to keep your thoughts to yourself.” These thoughts tempt me to delete my blog, but somehow I find the courage to keep sharing. Thank you so much! I really needed to read your post today.
🙂
Linda,
I visited your blog today because of the comments you have left on Debbie Feller’s blog and I am glad the Lord brought me here. I started to publicize my daily devotionals on my facebook account after a big turmoil and I totally relate to you on that front. I’m one of those who is very affected by the crowd that I forget to play my game and eventually quit the game. However, in my walk with the Lord, He has taught me that I need to trust Him and share His word out there. Over the years, I grew my facebook account to nearly 800 family and friends and now with sharing Christ, I find meaning and purpose in being on a worldly networking site. Many a soul has questioned, many a friend I’ve lost but what counts is the 1 soul who might consider Jesus. God bless you as you continue to minister His word and I shall be here often to read His word.
Blessings,
Vineet
Vineet, Thanks for stopping by and I am happy that you have found here something worth reading. It is only because of Him for in my own power I have nothing worthwhile to say. Peace, Linda
I’m with you Linda! God bless! deb
🙂