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“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

Jellyfish are known for their gelatinous appearance, which is soft to the touch, and for tentacles that emit strong stings caused by the release of toxins, which feel like a bad burn. Because of their beautiful appearance, one may desire to grab a jellyfish and hold it in her hands (remember Dory in the movie “Finding Nemo?”); nonetheless, the fear of being stung by the creature may cause an extreme adrenaline rush followed by the decision to not continue the pursuit to touch this free-swimming aquatic animal.

Last weekend, my son Andre and his three boys, Jayden, AJ, and Nio took me on a wonderful tour of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD. While at the aquarium, among the many types of fish and other aquatic beings we saw, we had the opportunity to also see – and touch – jellyfish. The person in charge of the jellyfish tank warned all guests whose hands would immerse in the tank to touch the jellies, that they needed to wait until the bells faced downwardly, because if they were facing up with their tentacles visible, that person would be stung. So, there I stood, really tempted to touch the jellyfish, but so afraid to be stung, that my hand would go in and out of the water in less than a second’s time. I think I even clapped nervously in between re-immersions of my hand. Eventually, I overcame my fear and acquired the courage to touch the jellyfish, which made me feel really proud of myself as I exited the aquarium.

Sometimes in life, we are faced with situations that make us think we are beneath pursuing or that we don’t have what it takes to overcome. Has that been the case for you lately? Do you find yourself pacing back and forth, wondering if you will be able to bypass the sting to get to your jellyfish? Believe you can. Trust your instincts and ask the Lord to empower you to conquer your jellyfish fear.

“Oh Lord, how we wish to trust at all times and yet we allow fear to deter us! Please help us to believe beyond our own humanity, through the power of Your name.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life