I grew up in the Caribbean, a region comprising islands surrounded by turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. The beach was a second home to me. Whether with my mom, cousins, friends, or the church, I spent countless days there, running across the warm sand, collecting shells, and making beautiful memories. However, I must embarrassingly admit that although I was frequently at the beach, I never learned how to float or swim. As a child, I splashed along the shoreline while others dove, floated, and glided effortlessly through the waves. I tried to learn many times, but floating felt unnatural to me. I couldn't relax or let myself go because something within me resisted. Looking back now, I believe it was the fear of sinking, drowning, or surrendering to the unpredictable.
Years passed, and life eventually took me to the Bahamas, a beautiful place where white sandy beaches meet crystal clear waters. It was there that I met an older woman named Sister Eunice. She loved the ocean with a passion. Although in her sixties, she was strong, confident, and graceful in the water. She had taught many children and adults how to swim, and she was determined to do the same for me.
I was slightly hesitant at first, but there was something about her presence that calmed me. She reminded me of a grandmother. She was gentle yet firm, and I knew her heart was in a good place. So we started slowly. And of course, we started with floating.
Surrender to the Wave
On the day of our first lesson, I remember watching the children around me dive into the water with no fear, laughing as they disappeared beneath the surface and rose again like joyful little dolphins. And there I was—a grown woman—afraid to let go.
But as the lessons continued, Sister Eunice said something one day that stayed with me: “Surrender to the wave.”
That word “surrender” hit something deep inside of me. It forced me into a bout of introspection that was not just about floating anymore. It was about my life.
As time passed, I practiced letting go, slowly, gently, and a little more each time. Whenever I tensed up and panicked, I noticed I would sink. But whenever I relaxed and surrendered to the sway of the waves, I stayed afloat.
Eventually, I stopped resisting. I turned my face to the sky, closed my eyes, and listened to the waves. I let them move me as I felt the sun on my skin and heard the seabirds overhead. I blocked out the noise from the others around me and found peace in the rhythm of the water and the wind. For the first time in my life, I floated for an entire 3 minutes, without any disturbance.
And in that moment, I was convinced that Sister Eunice had not just given me a swimming lesson. It was also a spiritual revelation.
So often in life, and especially in our walk with God, we strive to maintain control. We set out to chart the course, keep our heads above water, and manage the outcomes on our own terms. But that is not how life works. As a result, the moment things do not go as planned, anxiety and fear creep in, and we begin to sink.
Surrendering Brings Peace
Be reminded of this truth: It is only in surrender that we find peace. It is only in letting go that we stay afloat.
The Bible says,
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Trust requires surrender. It is impossible to fully trust God or rest in Him while fearfully trying to control everything. Just like I could not float while tense and going against the waves, you cannot spiritually float while wrestling to stay in charge.
I realized, too, how deeply connected the mind is to the body. The moment I surrendered my thoughts, silenced the internal noise, and tuned in to the beauty around me, my body responded with ease. And in that moment, I was light. I felt safe. I felt free.
That is the kind of peace God offers us when we surrender to Him.
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
What a promise! God promises you rest, but this rest only comes after surrender. It only comes after admitting, “God, I do not have it all figured out. I cannot carry this alone. I need you.”
When you surrender, you place yourself in the hands of the One who sees, who knows, and who never fails. It is not a one-time admission of dependence on God. Instead, it should be done daily to ensure that we are never overwhelmed by the issues God yearns to carry on our behalf.
Call to Action
Dear reader, if you are tired of sinking, if you are overwhelmed by trying to stay afloat on your own, or if fear, anxiety, and uncertainty have kept you bound, here is your invitation. Surrender to the wave. Let go and trust God.
Let Him hold you. Let Him carry you. You were not made to fight against the waves. You were made to float in His grace.
Let today be the day you take that first spiritual breath, lean back, and say, “Lord, I trust You.”
Let’s Get Practical:
Take five quiet minutes today. Go outside if you can, or find a still space indoors. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Picture yourself in the arms of God, resting, floating, and being held. Then speak these words aloud:
“Lord, I surrender. I trust You. Teach me how to float.”
Then, write down one area of your life you have been trying to control. Give it to God. Let go. Let Him guide you like the waves guided me. I promise, you will find peace in the surrender.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
