One hot summer day, my friend's Dad grabbed his fishing
pole and called out to his kids, "Okay everybody, get your poles and get in the
boat."
Among giggles and silly antics echoing through the lake, all five kids climbed
in the small motor boat. It rocked and swayed while all settled in their seats,
fishing poles in hand.
Dad glanced at their excited faces. "When we're out a bit farther, all of you
cast your poles out. Got that?"
As the boat came to a stop, everyone swung back, then forward. In seconds, all
kids had the lines wrapped around necks, arms and each other's strings. In a
tangled mess, they stared at each other.
"Silly kids, what are you doing?" Dad shook his head. "You need to know the
direction before you throw your lines out."
Isn't that the way of the world? Embarking on the fast motor boat, we rush out
into the waters. The heart filled with expectations to catch the best--a little
peace, security, freedom, and even fun. Instead, while riding the waves of life,
we oftentimes find disappointment, uncertainty and fear. Before we know it, we
all stare at each other, tangled in a mighty muddle.
What went wrong? We missed something--the direction, the place, or the timing.
The world didn't bring solutions, friends weren't able to help, and family
members have their own problems to deal with. So, we turn to our own wisdom, but
no luck; it drowned in the undercurrent of negative emotions.
As a result, days are rough and nights are often unbearable. And right when
frustration is about to come out in a loud scream, we dab sweat from the
forehead and pause. We stop long enough to hear the instruction of all
instructions. The call that will turn it all around and bring freedom from the
crazy chaos:
"Cast all your anxiety on him [Jesus] because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
When I rode the boat of grief after our youngest son was tragically killed,
tangled in sorrow, I cried out to God. One by one, he untangled the clutter of
emotions and took each ounce of heartache as I purposefully cast them to Him.
With eyes fixed on the direction Jesus points—to Him, His arms, and His love,
pure and abundant, all changes. Let me give you a gentle nudge--don't hold back.
Cast them all to the Lord because He does care, does provide, does protect, and
has the answers we fish for.
Maybe you're in that boat right now, and while searching for answers, a storm
broke loose. Thunder claps above, and the skies have turned black on you. I'd
say that's the perfect time, the exact moment to cast those burdens out to Him.
No tangling of lines, no confusion or mess--only peace, lasting and certain.
And when night comes, go ahead, fluff your pillow, get comfortable, for sleep
will come back when you "Cast your cares on the Lord knowing He will sustain
you; He will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)
Once you choose to cast it all to Him, the scenery changes. Can you see blue
skies between the clouds? Can you almost hear His whisper? He's smiling,
outstretching His arms to receive your heartache, catch your fear, soothe those
anxious moments, and calm the tremor that rattles your soul.
Janet Perez Eckles jeckles@cfl.rr.com
http://www.janetperezeckles.com
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.