Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-30(NIV)
I once jumped into a lake at night.
No stars. No moon. Just still, black water. I didn’t think much of it until I was underwater. In that instant, I couldn’t tell which way was up. There was no glimmer, no hint of the surface. I panicked. Just one spark of light would have shown me the way.
Sometimes life feels like that. You’re doing your best not to drift deeper. Your mind races as you sink.
It’s not always that dramatic though. Sometimes, it’s just that dull, invisible weight that no one else sees. You show up for work, for your family, even for church, but somewhere deep inside you’re still underwater. You feel the heaviness but can’t explain why.
I’ve been there. Many of us have. Maybe that’s why the image of light resonates so much. It’s not just a poetic idea. It’s a lifeline.
Scripture says that Jesus is the Light of the World. And I’ve come to know that light as more than just truth. It’s presence. His light doesn’t demand we get it together before he shows up. He enters the water with us. The dark water. The anxiety. The fear. The depression. The weight of burnout. The numbness that says, “I don’t even know why I feel this way.” He meets us there, not to pressure us, but to guide us gently to the surface.
And then something holy happens.
He places his light within us.
As we take a breath, he lifts us from the heaviness, reorients us, and gives us purpose. Sometimes it’s just enough to tread water, to hope to find the strength to admit, “I need help.” Other times, it’s the surprising peace that shows up right in the middle of the chaos.
And over time that light begins to reflect from within us. We carry his light, not perfectly, but honestly, through our struggle, our healing, our story. So, if today feels like you’re in dark waters, know this. You are not alone. The Light has come for you. And when you rise, you won’t rise alone.
If you see someone underwater, be a light for them, help them find their way to the surface. Because the darkness never gets the final word. The light spreads. And Jesus is right there with you, shining his light when you can’t see your own.
Reflect: Have you ever felt like you were underwater emotionally or spiritually? What helped you come back to the surface, and who did God use to help shine light for you?