Learning to Back Float

I talked with a client once who’d been dealing with some depression. Though she was a mature believer, she found herself struggling in her relationship with God. She felt like she’d been placed in a pool, a rather large pool, in the deep end. Maybe, just maybe, she’d even asked God to put her there.

She’d been a pretty good swimmer in the toddler pool. She was actually one of the more accomplished swimmers there. But now, in this season, in the ‘big’ pool of life, she was flailing. Her times with God were forced and strained. Rather than coming away refreshed, she found herself exhausted every time. She was fighting depression and condemnation. She ‘should’ know how to do this swimming thing, but it had been a struggle to just keep her head up and not drown.

I encouraged her to do something very counter intuitive, It didn’t seem rational. It wouldn’t be easy… Or would it.

I encouraged her to make a shift.

Lean back. Rest. Breathe.

Jesus, the Master life guard would not let her drown. His arm would be right there, around her neck… if she needed him.

Sinking would be impossible.

Rest. Breathe. Float.

THIS would be her ‘quiet time’. I chuckled when she later shared about her husband coming down the steps one morning to find her on the floor on her back… practicing.

Learning to back float.

It wouldn’t be easy… or would it?

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew: 11:28-30