Walking On Thin Ice

There is a man made lake near my home.
It was built to provide additional drinking water.
I was built to limit the damage caused by seasonal flooding.

It is now a state park.
Fishing, boating, hunting, and swimming are enjoyed.
There are about twelve miles of beautiful trails for walking, riding horses, and biking.

The main road crosses over the lake and winds through a few townships.
The sunsets are spectacular.
I enjoy seeing canoes, sailboats, and kayaks as they glide across the water.

I have to cross over this lake at least once a day.
Early Sunday morning, during fishing season, the fishermen have claimed their spot.
It is a big bass lake; only bass that is 15 inches or larger may be kept.
Bass smaller than 15 inches must be released back into the lake.

It is a place of contemplation.
It is a place of activity.
It is a place of beauty.

This winter, with its frigid temperatures, the lake is frozen.
As I pass, I see boys in their hockey jerseys shoveling snow to make a square on the ice.
Skates tied tightly, stick in hand, they are ready for the game to begin.

Ice skaters remind me of a scene from Currier and Ives.
They leave intricate designs on the ice when they are through.
Winter scenes that warm my heart.

As I pass the hockey players and ice skaters, I always say a quick prayer for them.
I am always concerned that they could skate on thin ice.
I cannot imagine the horror of falling into frigid water.

The ice forms a sort of Plexiglass ceiling.
Unless you fall directly under the crack in the ice, you will struggle.
I cannot imagine how terribly frightening that would be.

We use that phrase often in our culture: walking on thin ice.
We also use synonymous idioms like walking on the edge or asking for trouble.
The phrase describes a person who seems to be taking a big risk without being aware.

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagues by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace, they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” That is what the wicked are like- always carefree, they increase in wealth.
(Psalm 73:2-12)

Asaph wrote this psalm as he watched the people, who do not follow God, prosper.
Even though he knew the ways of the Lord, the wicked life looked enviable to him.
These people seemed to live without a care in the world; everything went well for them.

Perhaps…so it seemed…in the short term.

Asaph needed a change in perspective.

Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence…When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me, till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely You place them on slippery ground; You cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
(Psalm 73:13, 16-19)

Till I entered the sanctuary of God.
Asaph finally got the change of perspective he needed.
The wicked may appear to be carefree, but it is short lived.

Unless they repent, they are on slippery ground.
Unless they repent, they are on thin ice!

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide my with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…But as for me, it is good to be near God. (Psalm 73:21-26, 28)

But as for me, it is good to be near God.
Total change of perspective.
Being near God is being on solid ground.
The only place to be.

There is no skating on thin ice when you are holding God’s hand.
The life of the wicked may look good now, but wait until the ice melts!

Yet even then, as they slip into the icy waters, there is a Hand to grasp.
A Hand that will lead them to safety.
A Hand that will lead them Home.

How is your perspective today?
Does walking on thin ice look appealing?
Perhaps for a time, but not in the long run.
Not when the ice melts!