“Hope and the Future for me are not in lawns and cultivated fields, not in towns and cities, but in the impervious and quaking swamps.”- Henry David Thoreau
I recently made a trip with a friend to the Okefenokee Swamp located in southeastern Georgia, USA. The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest blackwater wetland ecosystem in North America. Swamps are known to be dark, eerie places with many poisonous plants and reptiles. While the Okefenokee Swamp was not lacking in any of these, we happened to be there on a beautiful December day with the sun shining brightly upon as we kayaked our way through the many waterways that traverse the wildlife reserve.
The Swamp was vibrant and full of life. We saw all sorts of wild creatures from the “Emu looking” Sand Hill Cranes with their red foreheads and long black beaks bobbing to and fro to the American Alligators of all shapes and sizes to the Cooter Turtles sunbathing on their perches throughout the Swamp. It made me wonder why in such a dark and desolate place; God created so many different species of life. The same can be said about our walk with God. Out of some of the darkest experiences of our lives, God can create so much life.
There are times in our lives when we find ourselves walking “through the darkest valley” (Psalm 23:4) in other words, a swamp. The feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, and inadequacy fill us. There seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, no happy ending will ever come. Just more loss and hurt. That is all that is coming for you. The hungry alligators have surrounded you on all sides, and there is no escape. Many of the people profiled in the Bible felt this way, especially David.
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.” (Psalm 22:1-2)
It can be hard to fathom in these dark, swampy moments of our lives, but God is right there alongside us creating new life. This does not mean it will get any easier. You are still in the swamp, but the creatures of love, joy, and peace are sitting there on their perches just waiting for you to embrace their beauty. Don’t be overwhelmed by the darkness of the swamp. Embrace the beauty and keep paddling with God. For He is right there in the kayak with you.
