Fish Out Of The Sun

Are you catching anything? I asked the man who was in a small boat fishing along the bank of the lake.

The fisherman replied…I’ve got one…as he continued to inform me where the fish were located throughout the body of water. He sensed they were currently hanging out on this side around the edge. His next comment was very interesting…the fish are getting out of the sun.

Before taking my morning walk and coming upon my talking companion, I spent some quality time in worship. Worship is essential, as it takes our attention off of things of this world and places our focus on the One who created us to do so.

We all were created to worship. Most find other things to fill the spot that was design for the One true and Living God to occupy. Giving God your attention by singing, praying, reading, and meditating on His Word are the basic essentials of what He deserves in return for all He has done for us. Living life the way God has instructed us is worship.

Living life the way God has instructed us is worship.

Worshiping God can open our senses to see, hear, feel and even smell what is going on around us in a different way. Experiences that might have gone unnoticed or taken for granted can take place simply because of being more in tune with what the Holy Spirit is doing here on earth.

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship for they will walk in the light of Your presence, Lord. Psalm 89:15

Walk in the light of Your presence…

I continue my walking in the light of His presence along the path when I repeat the phrase in my mind…the fish are getting out of the sun.

The sun was glimmering off the calm waters and a light breeze blew as I paused to find a bench to jot down on my phone what God began to show me.

Jesus once called some guys to be fishers of men. You and I have the same calling today. The fish are getting out of the sun… The fish (men and women) we are to influence are also out of the sun…the Son of God.

The fish we are to influence are also out of the sun…the Son of God.

So many lives are out of the Son. For these, often everything appears on the outside of their life to be calm, just like the water on the lake. They don’t want others to see that a storm has been brewing on the inside. They wish to present their lives as a breeze, that they have everything under control, while inside there is a violent wind. A wind that can take your breathe away.

Those who are out of the Son are trying to avoid something…someone…The One…who could speak peace to their storm. They choose to deny He is the answer….He is our answer!

There are family members who are out of the Son. Neighbors and fellow employees who are out of the Son. We have church members who are actually out of the Son.

The Son of God is not to be avoided. His light reveals truth. He shines in the places that are uncomfortable. He calms the raging winds and waves. He brings hope and peace into every situation. Jesus Christ is life and a life in Him is a beautiful thing.

When I glanced back at the lake while having my God conversation, I noticed the fisherman had left the bank and began to head for deeper waters.

Deeper Waters…

When you stop avoiding you expose yourself. Many don’t like the feeling of exposure. Going deeper means you can’t hold on to the bank…you can’t touch the bottom any longer.

It forces you to TRUST. It take more effort when you let go. For some it becomes too uncomfortable.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart. Don’t try to figure everything out on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go He’s the One who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6

When you trust from the bottom of your heart you can let go and head towards deeper waters.

We can remain a fish out of the sun or we can head for deeper waters which will expose ourselves to the greater things the Son of God has for us all!

The things of God that are deeper will stretch us. It might make us a bit uncomfortable but it will build our trust and faith in Him. Being totally in the Son will make us more like the Son. His deeper ways are pure and good. His ways will bless us not cause harm.

They will unveil mysteries that we have not seen or been exposed to. With God ALL things are possible…even things that we cannot explain nor understand.

Jesus looked at them and replied, with people it is impossible, but not with God- God makes all things possible! Mark 10:27

Jesus Christ is calling us all to step out into deeper waters, letting go of what is always safe and comfortable. His calling is for us to experience a new level of growth. A call to go deeper into knowing His ways than you currently have encountered.

Perhaps you are sensing a push to do something spiritually that you’ve never done before. Maybe the Holy Spirit is calling you to worship for the first time or in a new way. He loves for His children to sing, raise their hands, and dance before Him just as the scriptures instruct us to do. Have you been an observer and not a participator for too long?

“We shouldn’t let our worship preferences get in the way of our worship participation.”  Brett McCracken

Is He asking you to go to a deeper level in how you express your love to your spouse, children, and others? Is He calling you to be a better person in the work place or perhaps in being an encourager to those you come in contact with?

Whatever He is placing on your heart to do know this…God is calling us all to no longer remain along the shallow banks of comfort. Trust Him in order to gain much. Walking in the light of His presence leads us into His loving arms and a more meaningful relationship with Him. Are you willing and ready to go?

God is calling us all to no longer remain along the shallow banks of comfort. Trust Him in order to gain much.

Lingering Thoughts:

1. Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Have you drifted in your relationship with God? Do you feel the need to dive into a deeper trust with Him even if it’s uncomfortable?
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to clearly define what area God is calling you to improve your current status in.
3. Be patient with yourself as you make time to ask and listen to God. He looks forward to hearing from you. He desires you to better your relationship with Him. He will help you if you are willing.
4. If you need additional help, direction or prayer feel free to reach out in the comments or email me at lingeringintheoasis@outlook.com

Photos by Create228studio