Passing Through the Sea of Trouble

Friend, are you passing through the sea of trouble right now? I am.

Here is a sneak peek of my guest post at Medium.com for Devotable about God’s encouragement for us in our sea of trouble.

The Sea of Trouble

“They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued and all the depths of the Nile will dry up.” (Zecharia 10:11)

The sea of trouble engulfed me last year when I unexpectedly lost my husband of 15 years. From this moment on, I find myself surrounded by the dark, unruly, and cold waves of the sea of trouble. Sometimes they pull me into the depths of loneliness and extreme anguish, sometimes they toss me on the surface where I can catch my breath. The sea seems to have no end. I am still passing it through, wondering many times if I am going to make it on the other side.

What is your sea of trouble made of? Is it made of grief, sorrow, sadness, rejection, disappointment, health issues, family problems, depression, anxiety, or fear? Whatever it is, God has a special encouragement for us in our sea of trouble in Zechariah 10:11: He will subdue it and dry up the depths.

There are 3 important truths we could glean from this verse and the whole context of the chapter.

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Passing Through the Sea of Trouble Is a Certainty

The first truth sounds not so comforting, but it is a fact, a reality of our earthly lives. We will experience trouble, hardships, and sorrows. As Jesus says, 

“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Stating something as a reality and certainty means that our loving God has foreseen it and, most of all, has the perfect provision for us. He already has gone before us to prepare the way, so we can pass through and come on the other side. Jesus has overcome the world and everything in the world, meaning we can overcome too in Him and with Him.

God Will Subdue the Surging Sea

Hear this well, friend: God promises to subdue the surging sea. Without God’s presence and His calming of the sea of trouble, we most probably will not survive and will be destroyed. However, God takes out the deadly sting of suffering and prepares for us a safe passage.

There is great comfort and hope in knowing that God subdues the waves that threaten to drown us. Yes, we may be tossed and short of breathing, but we are not destroyed.

Read the rest of the post and the accompanying prayer at Medium.com and be strengthened and encouraged.

More Encouragement for Your Sea of Trouble

If you need more resources to encourage you in your sea of trouble, I can highly recommend these books. Check them out.

Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings by Hadassah Treu

A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss by Jerry L. Sittser

A Grace Revealed: How God Redeems the Story of Your Life by Jerry L. Sittser

Restoration Year – a 365 Days Devotional by John Eldredge

All Things New by John Eldredge

It’s not supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst

The Grief Guidebook: Common Questions, Compassionate Answers, Practical Suggestions by Gary Roe

Grieving the Write Way Journal and Workbook by Gary Roe

Suffering and the Heart of God by Diane Langberg

Extinguishing the Spirit of Fear: 30 Devotions to Battle Fear and Anxiety by Devotable

Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley

Your Turn

Which of these truths brings the most comfort to you? Share in the comments. If you found this article helpful, share it on social media. Thanks!

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