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Never 'lost at sea'

A Christian Science perspective: God guides and protects us at every moment.

  • By Andrea McCormick

Years ago, my husband and I were scuba diving with a group. Divers are required to stay in pairs in case one of them needs help. But I had used up my oxygen faster than the others, and when I showed our guide my gauge, he made a motion telling me to go back up to the surface and get on the boat. I obeyed, feeling a little uncomfortable that I was doing this on my own.

When I got to the surface on this stormy day, the boat was nowhere to be found. I started to panic, but I had enough air to go back down for assistance.

When I descended the 75 feet again, I couldn’t see the group anywhere. The strong ocean currents had carried them – and apparently the boat – off course. Rising back to the surface again, I found myself alone in the middle of the ocean.

There are times in life when no human help is available. But I was familiar with the Bible, which teaches us that we’re never alone, and I thought of some passages that comforted me. For instance, in Psalms it says: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear” (46:1, 2).

I felt the comfort of that promise, and I understood that since I was God’s creation, created to express divine Love, fear was no true part of me. And in that moment, the fear completely left. Then another verse from Psalms came to thought, sounding as if it had been written just for that situation in which I found myself: “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me” (139:7-10).

I felt a surge of joy and confidence come over me, knowing that I’d be led to safety. I knew I was not alone. Almighty God was right there, guiding and guarding. And as God’s infinitely loved spiritual creation, each of us has the ability to feel that care and discern that guidance.

The inspiration came to me to keep rotating in a circle to see if I could spot the boat or any divers rising to the surface. And then, between the white caps, I spotted a tiny speck that I knew had to be the boat. It took a while, but I eventually made it on board, and was able to guide the captain back to where we would find the other divers.

Whatever it seems like, no one can truly be lost – physically or mentally. Ever-present divine Love, God, is always with us. This not only brings comfort and help when we need it ourselves, but inspires our prayers for others who may be lost or in danger, too.

A version of this article aired on the Aug. 8, 2017, Christian Science Daily Lift podcast.

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