A Lifeguard’s Wisdom for Everyday Faith
When I was trained as a lifeguard, we learned a crucial sequence before jumping into action:
Stop, look, listen, and feel.
This simple phrase saved lives. We had to pause, assess the situation, and understand what was really going on before making a move.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how this same principle applies to our life.
So often, our human nature is quick to react – to jump to conclusions or dive into solutions. But living a life led by the Spirit requires a different kind of posture:
👉🏼 Stop.
Slow down. Still your soul. Let your racing thoughts settle. God doesn’t shout over our noise—He whispers to our stillness.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
👉🏼 Look.
Lift your eyes from your circumstances and see what God is doing. His presence is often right there, woven into the details we might miss if we’re not paying attention.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” — Hebrews 12:2
👉🏼 Listen.
God is always speaking—through His Word, through His Spirit, and even through the gentle nudges in your heart. Take time to tune in.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27
👉🏼 Feel.
How is your spirit responding? Peace, joy, conviction, or caution? Let the Holy Spirit’s prompting become your compass.
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” — Colossians 3:15
This small shift—living with the same attentiveness I once used as a lifeguard—has become a lifeline for my walk with Jesus.
He’s always present, always leading. But we have to be willing to stop, look, listen, and feel.
What’s He highlighting to you today?
PS. Feeling stuck in hearing God’s voice?
Here are a few helps for you:
Digest the treasured yellow book
Connect with a coach
Merri Ellen Giesbrecht / www.merriellen.com
Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box 
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