Wavering

In the book of James 1:6 we read, "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (NIV). In the original the word wavering means rough water, a wave, billow or surge.

Waves are formed by relative motion of water with relation to air (wind) or land. One layer moves faster than the other (surface or bottom layer) which causes rotation within the liquid. Currents of the liquid can also induce this affect (Wiki.answers.com)

Likewise, a double minded man or woman has one thing in their mind while below the surface the heart is moving in a different direction. When we doubt decisions are more difficult, confidence drops, fear rises and faith staggers. All this forms a tidal surge or wave that rises and crashes against the foundation of what we believe about God. The weight and force of waves break and fan out in a tumultuous roll as it approaches the shoreline, then moments later, the tide pulls anything in its path back into the foaming sea. Some of us feel swept out to sea, tossed about with no firm anchor to steady the heart.

The psalmist writes, I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me (Psalms 42:7). When we are overwhelmed, this is an opportunity to anchor our faith in His promises, to believe God more firmly. This is were we are tested, not to waver between conflicting opinions or voices, but trust Him.

How often do our prayers rise and fall with conflicting emotions?

We may feel close to the Lord believing Him for the impossible only to collapse in despair and panic. Like a receding wave, we fold and pull back from the Lord when the deep things of the heart move contrary to what we think should be the outcome. So many layers are stirred by prevailing winds of the culture, of other peoples opinions and our own desires.

Remember beloved this promise when you waver in times of storm.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary (Hebrews 6:19 NLT).