Anchored in the Lord: A Paddleboarding Lesson in Faith
When my friend and I pushed our boards onto the lake, the water caught the light and sparkled. It was warm, the sun was straight overhead, and Mount Rainier rose in the distance, so massive and beautiful it made me think of God’s glory. It was my first try at paddleboarding, and I thought it would just be a fun day in the sun, but instead, I learned what it means to be anchored in the Lord, even out there on the water.
Riding the Waves, Steadied by God’s Hand
Not long after we started, a few boats went by, kicking up waves that came right at us. At first, I stiffened up, paddle gripped tight, just trying not to fall in. But after a while, I loosened up and let the board move with the water. The lake had its own rhythm, and the only way to stay steady was to go with it instead of fighting it.
Life feels like that sometimes. Waves we didn’t ask for, like illness, broken relationships, money struggles, and loss, suddenly knock against us. They shake our balance and mess up our calm. But even in the middle of all that rocking, God doesn’t leave. He promises to be right there, steady and close:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” (Isaiah 43:2)
Paddleboarding reminded me that I can’t control the waves but can learn to move with them. When I lose my balance, God is the one who steadies me. He doesn’t always calm the water, but He does promise I won’t go under, as long as I remain anchored in Him.
Anchored in the Lord: Lessons from the Buoy
After a while, we decided to take a break. There was a buoy up ahead, and we figured it would be the perfect spot to tie off and rest. Simple enough, right? But when we reached for it, the current carried us right past. We laughed and tried again. It took a couple of tries before we finally grabbed hold and tied on, steady at last.
It made me think about how often our spiritual lives feel the same. We drift, reaching for peace, purpose, and a sense of who we are, only to feel it slip by. We’re all looking for something solid to hold on to that won’t move when everything else does. Being anchored in the Lord ensures this solidity.
Scripture tells us where to find it:
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” (Hebrews 6:19)
That buoy kept us from drifting, and in the same way, Jesus is the one who keeps us steady. Hope in Him isn’t a maybe; it’s being tied to God’s promises that don’t move.
Seeing God at Work Beneath the Surface
When we finally tied off, we lay back on our boards to catch some sun and rest. Looking down through the clear lake, we saw little fish darting just under the surface, something we would have missed if we hadn’t slowed down. It made me think of how God works the same way. We often only notice the calm or the ripples on top, but underneath, He’s moving and creating things we can’t always see.
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” (Psalm 104:24–25)
Sometimes, the only way to notice is to slow down, tie up, breathe, look more closely, and stay anchored in the Lord’s presence.
Firm in Faith, Eyes on the Mountain
The highlight of the day was the view of Mount Rainier rising in the distance, crowned in sunlight and glory. Floating there, I couldn’t help but feel small and in awe of God’s majesty.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1–2)
That mountain stood unmoved as waves came and went, boats sped by, and the wind shifted. And isn’t that like our God? Constant. Steadfast. Sovereign over all. When my eyes lift to Him, I remember that my help doesn’t come from my ability to paddle, balance, or even anchor; it comes from being anchored in the Lord Himself.
Living Fearlessly, Even on the Water
That paddleboarding day wasn’t just exercise or even just fun. It was holistic: body, mind, and spirit refreshed in one experience. I left with sore muscles, a lighter heart, and a soul anchored more deeply in Christ.
That’s what living faith fearlessly is about: recognizing that God doesn’t just meet us in church pews or quiet devotionals. He shows up in the laughter of trying to tie up to a buoy, in the spray of a passing wave, in the hidden fish swimming below, and in the grandeur of a mountain declaring His glory.
It’s easy to think of faith as separate from everyday life, but it’s meant to run through all of it: our workouts, our rest, our friendships, even our adventures. Paddleboarding reminded me that walking with God isn’t about avoiding the waves, but learning to trust Him in the middle of them, anchored in the Lord’s guidance and love.
Pray With Me
Lord, thank You for being with me in every part of life, from the fun moments to the hard ones, and everything in between. Thank You for the waves that remind me I need You and the anchors that keep me from drifting too far. Thank You for the beauty around me that reminds me of just Who You are. Help me stay steady in You, and live the life You’re calling me to. Amen
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