Safe In the Water

Before my Shorkie dog, Daisy, got used to baths, getting her near running water sometimes activated her survival instincts. She’d start swimming mid-air, swatting her little black paws back and forth before ever touching water.

Sunday night during church, the position my hands were in during worship reminded me of Daisy and how she sometimes holds her feet out in front of her when I lift her up, braced in a wide stance prepared for the uncertain “next.” Then I remembered her mid-air swim reaction, reflexively treading before she was ever in trouble.

I think I do that sometimes. I’m not sure if it’s from going through so much that I’m stuck there or if it’s a fear-generated survival instinct.

When I see trouble coming, I need to remember that I belong to God, and He is looking after me. God is not going to let me drown. He will not allow the waters to overflow me. Isaiah 43:2 NKJV says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”

The water might get to me or on me, and it may look frightening. But God will be with me “there.” Wherever my “there” is, whatever name belongs on that body of water, I will be safe there. Thank You, Jesus.

Many years ago, I wrote a song inspired by my daughter that I call “Rainbow Song.” She was very young at the time, and this little song became our bedtime lullaby. The lyrics seem perfect to share with this. Maybe one day I can sing it to you in addition to sharing the lyrics. For now, I hope the lyrics encourage you.

“Rainbow Song”

Copyright 2023

By Leah Louise Hicks

Verse:

In the midst of cloudy skies,

of broken hearts and troubled lives,

Lord, Your promises keep breaking through.

When the winds of sorrow blow

and rain pours over my soul,

Lord, You remind me to look to You,

to the place real hope is found.

Chorus:

You hang rainbows all around,

saying I’ll not let you down.

You can count on me, My Word believe.

I’ll never leave you nor forsake you.

Look at all I’ve brought you through.

When you feel like you will drown,

look at the rainbows all around.

Bridge:

You paint the sky

so from everywhere I’ll see

Your love shining down

to remind me

You take care of me.

You hang rainbows all around,

saying I’ll not let you down.

Chorus:

You hang rainbows all around,

saying I’ll not let you down.

You can count on me, My Word believe.

I’ll never leave you nor forsake you.

Look at all I’ve brought you through.

When you feel like you will drown,

look at the rainbows all around.

Tag:

When you feel like you will drown,

look at the rainbows all around.