Teach Your Sorrows to Swim

Teach Your Sorrows to Swim

I grew up hearing the idiom, sink or swim.  This saying not only applies to us physically, but spiritually as well.  Heartache and sorrow and can cause us to sink into despair.  The imagery is descriptive in Psalm 42:7.  Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.  Granted, the psalmist seems to be drowning in despair.  But what if we could teach our sorrows to swim?  Instead of allowing sorrow to pull us under, we can learn to stay afloat and even become stronger.

Learning to Swim

When Steve and I got married thirty-nine years ago, we wrote out some marriage goals.  One goal emphasized physical fitness.  Steve was a lap swimmer and after work would go to the YMCA and swim.  He thought we should do this activity together.  But the problem was, I couldn’t swim.  As a child, I had taken many swim lessons, but never felt comfortable in the water.  I could stay afloat – sort of.  I had never mastered swimming and wasn’t interested in learning.  But Steve was persistent, and I reluctantly conceded.

With angst, I signed up for swimming lessons, which proved to be a humbling experience.  I was by far the oldest student!  However, ever so slowly, I became more comfortable in the water and perfected my swimming technique.  

Initially, I strained to swim the length of the pool.  I told myself to relax, to control my breathing, and to glide with the water.  I was so proud of myself the first time I completed a lap!   Eventually, with time, practice, and determination, I became a pretty good swimmer. 

Teach Your Sorrows to Swim

With this backdrop, I heard the phrase, Teach Your Sorrows to Swim in a sermon by Pastor Cole Huffman https://www.youtube.com/live/_6R0vwr-qKw?si=VBm2CNdfysRSevY0 and it resonated.  Before I learned to swim, I panicked in the water and felt like I was drowning!  But now as a trained swimmer, I’ve learned to embrace the water.  I focus on the benefits of swimming such as physical fitness, a toned body, and increased lung capacity.

Unfortunately, when sorrows abruptly confront us, we flail.  We try so hard to stay above the waters of despair.  However, the constant effort can wear us out and we  question if we can keep going.  But, we must not allow the flood waters to overtake us.  Instead, teach your sorrows to swim. The swimming will be laborious.  Your muscles will be exhausted, yet you must continue to stay afloat.

You Are Not Alone

Everyone has their share of sorrows.  In this world, no one is immune.  However, how we respond to these gut-punches is crucial.  Please remember, you are not alone.  The God of Heaven and Earth is committed to swimming alongside you.  Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Dear All-Knowing Father, may I sense your presence, even in my greatest sorrows.  May the waves of despair not consume me.  Be my swimming coach and help  teach my sorrows to swim.  Amen.

Questions to Consider

1. Share a sorrow that is trying to pull you under right now.
2. What steps are you taking to keep from drowning in despair?