There are so many takeaways from the response Musa (AS) gave in this moment, standing between the Red Sea and the army of the worst and most powerful man in the world, while his people panicked around him.

When leading, model the best course of action instead of telling people what to do. Musa (AS) demonstrated modeling good action as a leader. He could instead reprimand his people for lacking trust in Allah, after all the miracles (and tests) they saw and all the ways Allah had already delivered them. He could have said, 'Allah is with US' , which would have felt like a dismissal of legitimate emotions in a terrifying moment. Instead, he said, 'Allah is with ME.' He spoke for himself only, yet in doing so, he also modeled the way to deal with difficult circumstances, and, in case they might confuse his conviction for something else, he articulated clearly why he was so sure they would be okay: Allah is with him and will guide him, just as Allah has done before.

Only through optimism and trust in Allah will a solution arise. This is something we can learn from Musa (AS) too -- in hardship, we can either give in and give up as the Bani Israeel did in the previous ayah ('surely we will be overtaken'), or we can push through the fear and anxiety to remind ourselves 'My Lord is with me and He will guide me.' We can choose optimism, I'd argue that if Musa (AS) had also fallen into the same certainty that the Bani Israeel had -- that they were done for -- he would not have been able to receive the inspiration to strike the Red Sea. We can't hear opportunity if we live in an echo chamber of pessimism. Musa (AS) affirmed that Allah is there and He would guide through this. With that optimism, Musa (AS) was primed to receive the inspiration to strike the sea, which ended up being their way out.

Only through a strong connection with Allah will you be able to bear the rough tides of life. Look at the language Musa (AS) used: 'MY Lord is with ME' and 'He will guide ME'. There's attachment and unconditional trust in that language. Musa (AS) has an immensely intimate relationship with Allah, no doubt about it. That's why Musa (AS) can steady himself, make thoughtful decisions, and be present for his people despite the impossible circumstances around him. If the rough times feel unbearable, check how much you speak to Allah and how much you open yourself up with Him. You'd be surprised what you can handle when you feel Allah's presence.