Living Water by Colbi King

There have been times where I have paddled my little heart out for over 25 minutes to get to the outside. Times where It seems like I’ve been paddling forever, only to look up and realize I’ve drifted down 12 streets. And as much as I hate to admit, there have been times where I’ve turned my board back to shore and given up because I couldn’t make it past the break.

But this particular day wasn’t like any of those times. It was a pretty seamless paddle out. It only took a few minutes to get to the outside and if anything, it was pretty relaxing… no waves crashing over me, no turtle rolls that needed doing, nothing like that.

The first wave I caught was pretty fun and I was able to ride it all the way in. As I turned my board around to head back out, I noticed that the waves picked up a bit... a good bit... man, this paddle out was going to be rough. Maybe the winds switched, or maybe I just timed my first paddle out really well. Either way, this is not what I was expecting to face after catching that wave.

So I did what I always do when it’s a paddle battle trying to get back to the outside, I chit chat with Jesus and think of worship songs to sing. It’s kinda our little thing.

It occurred to me in the midst of getting sloshed around and losing my board that I only call on Jesus when the waves are crazy. While holding my breath as I’m slammed under, and wiping the saltwater from my eyes, I was reminded that Jesus delights in our praise and worship not just when the seas are rough, but when they are still.

 “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” Psalm 34:1