There is nothing like going swimming in a cool lake when the temperature is sizzling.We have had an early summer in Upper Michigan. It has been in the 80’s and the lake has warmed up quickly to a nice cool temperature. For those of you who live down South, temperatures in the 80’s may not be sizzling, but up here, it doesn’t happen often for as many days in a row with no rain up here, this time of year. It is so refreshing and simply lifts the spirits when the sky is blue, the sun is shining, the few puffy clouds are just drifting by, and the water is sparkling clear. While floating in the lake, I couldn’t help thinking, the same is true for the Word of God. It is calming and refreshing. These are two great reasons to dive into the Scriptures, to calm down when “hot under the collar,” and to be refreshed by the Holy Spirit.
Calm Down
We all know that stress kills. How do we reduce stress, or at least dissipate it so that it doesn’t harm us? If you go to Google and search “stress management,” over one billion entries pop up – one billion! The good news is since God is our Creator, He knew that life here on earth would cause us stress. Therefore, He has spoken to us about it, and tells us how to handle it. Proverbs 14:30a says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body.” Clearly, God knows how to help us handle stress.
In fact, Jesus was telling His disciples that life wasn’t going to be easy, but that they didn’t need to be anxious, because they trusted in Him and He has it handled. “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 (John 16:33).” When we are hotly frustrated and need to cool off mentally, these words from Jesus are a good place to remind ourselves that we don’t need to be aggravated because, “Jesus got this!”
God actually intervenes for those who believe in Him and live their lives in accordance with His will. Proverbs 16:7 tells us, “When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, He causes their enemies to make peace with them.” Yes, you read that right, God actually reduces our stress and gives us a “cool swim” by causing our enemies to be peaceful towards us. What a fantastic promise!
Be Refreshed
Sometimes we need that cool dip to refresh us as we have been doing the daily drudge for so long, that we need to mentally go on vacation to the cool lake with the breeze blowing through the trees and have our spirit renewed. One of my go to passages when I’m feeling dried up and used up is Psalm 63:1-8.
You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.
When I recite this passage to myself, it is as if I’m lieing on a raft in the cool lake, soaking in the life-saving, refreshing water of God’s Words and protections for my soul. It also reminds me to make sure I give God the glory for all He has done for me and how it is He and He alone who gives me all good things in my life.
God is the cool refreshing water that soothes my soul. I pray the same for you, especially this summer as life may be dry, hot and dusty. Reflect on His Words for you so that even if you are standing in traffic and your air-conditioner in your car is not working, you can feel the cool, refreshing lake in your soul.
This is a timely post. So tired of people who need to « cool down » and think of the greater good.
Thanks Edwina for your comment. I hope all is going well with you.