Sawgrass Lake Park, St. Petersburg, FL, Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas
Song: I Will Rise – Duet
Devotional: Leaving the Swamp Behind
Scripture:
“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” — Deuteronomy 30:19
There are moments in life when we realize we’ve built a false sanctuary—a place where we have learned to survive but not truly live. Maybe it’s a mindset we’ve adopted, a habit we’ve clung to, or a defense mechanism we’ve crafted over time. Like the swamp in this reflection, it becomes familiar, even comfortable, but at its core, it is a trap.
God never intended for us to stay in places of spiritual stagnation. He created us to thrive, to walk in His light, to be renewed and transformed. But we must make the choice. We can remain in the toxic environments—whether external or internal—that we’ve adapted to, or we can step into the fullness of life that Christ offers.
The decision is ours. Do we cling to the shadows of what is familiar, or do we trust God to lead us into a land of promise, even if it means vulnerability, growth, and change?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I recognize that I have built walls, adapted to struggles, and settled in places You never intended for me to stay. Give me the courage to step out of my swamp, to leave behind what keeps me trapped, and to walk boldly into the abundant life You have for me. Lead me, Lord, and renew my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
THIS is my swamp…
My skin is thick and tough…
… so that I no longer have to be vulnerable to the pain that surrounds me.
My fighting skills are honed and advanced…
… so that I can aggressively and fiercely shred any foe that attacks me.
I can submerge and hide for long periods of time…
… to avoid uncomfortable confrontation.
I can adapt to my surroundings here in my swamp…
…so that I can be…
…unaffected
…unmoved
…unshaken
…un-convicted
…of what might otherwise appear to be a…
…murky
…dirty
…polluted environment.
This is MY swamp…
It is my sanctuary. It is my cocoon.
It is…
…my death trap.
I did not always live in my swamp.
In fact, I was not made to be able to survive in my swamp.
I had to become…
…to adapt
…to adjust
…to evolve
…into what I have become in order to survive the toxic conditions that exist in my swamp.
This is my SWAMP…
And only I can make the decision to continue dying here…
…or to choose life outside of my swamp.
What’s it going to be?
Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas
Song:
[Verse 1]
I built these walls, I learned to fight,
Kept my heart locked up so tight.
Hid my fear behind a smile,
But I’ve been sinking all the while.
[Pre-Chorus]
I hear You calling through the night,
A voice so strong, yet full of light.
You pull me close, You draw me higher,
Out of the swamp, into the fire.
[Chorus]
I won’t stay where shadows grow,
Where my heart turns cold, where the dark winds blow,
I’m stepping out, I’m choosing life,
Leaving the swamp for the morning light.
Oh, I will rise… I will rise.
[Verse 2]
I made a home in sinking ground,
Afraid to leave, afraid to drown.
But chains aren’t homes, and wounds don’t heal
When I resist the love you reveal
The fear, the shame, the weight I’ve known,
You call me out, You lead me home.
[Pre-Chorus]
I hear You calling through the night,
A voice so strong, yet full of light.
You pull me close, You draw me higher,
Out of the swamp, into the fire.
[Chorus]
I won’t stay where shadows grow,
Where my heart turns cold, where the dark winds blow,
I’m stepping out, I’m choosing life,
Leaving the swamp for the morning light.
Oh, I will rise… I will rise.
[Bridge]
I see the road, I see the dawn,
And though I shake, I’ll carry on.
No more hiding, no more chains,
Your grace is stronger than my pain!
[Final Chorus]
I won’t stay where shadows grow,
Where my heart turns cold, where the dark winds blow,
I’m stepping out, I’m choosing life,
Leaving the swamp for the morning light.
Oh, I will rise… I will rise.
[Outro]
No turning back, I’m walking free,
The past is gone, Your love in me.
The past is gone, Your love in me.
Oh, I will rise… I will rise.
Copyright © 2025 by SkylerThomas
The following pictures were taken at Sawgrass Lake Park, St. Petersburg, FL
Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas
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Sawgrass was my place of refuge in the late 1980s and early 1990s. I so identify with so many of these thoughts, for they were my thoughts then, I just wasn’t poetic! I wonder how many others God has sent to Sawgrass for the same reason…
And I was right…I cried.
I love you, just as you are. Especially the vulnerability. I’ve laid my soul open to the ladies in classes I’ve led in the past, and God has used it to His glory. He can do the same with you and your words.