THE ROARING SEA

The ocean today is wild and wind tossed with beaches covered with grasses and foam. A day most would stay inside, but I love the sound of the roaring surf and the wind blowing strongly - almost blowing me away.  It is a tempestuous day filled with sound and fury.  I enjoyed the power and majesty of the ocean and heard our mighty God speaking through all the tempests.  The words He sent me today come from the lyrics to Psalm 46 ( Lord of Hosts) by Shane and Shane.  The refrain that kept flowing through my mind is:

“Though oceans roar, You are the Lord of all,
the one who calms the wind and waves and makes my heart be still.
Though the earth gives way, the mountains move into the sea,
the nations rage, I know my God is in control.”

As I walked and prayed about the turmoil in the lives of many that I love, I know He heard my prayers and is answering them as I spoke them from my heart.  We often feel that our lives are filled with angry waves and strong winds that toss us and throw us up on the beach of life.  Our lives are sometimes beyond our control and we can’t see the steps ahead for the foam and water covering the way.  The promise found in the words of the Psalm assures me that He can and will calm the winds and waves that wash through our lives.

Though all around us may be giving way and filled with rage, I know our Father  is aware of every event and all the troubles in our lives and is there to fill us with His peace and love.  Sorrow, sickness, family problems, and other difficulties are ever present and can wash over us like strong waves and the wind my buffet us and try to blow us away, He is there in the midst of it all with his strength which is ours.

The oceans roar can be a beautiful symphony filled with deep bass notes that assure us that the power of God is supreme.  The strong winds can blow away our worries and leave us cleansed and ready to receive God’s filling of love.  

I love the wild sea as well as the calm sea for both are God’s creation and He is in control.  Thank you Lord for the assurance that you know all and are in control of all. You are an awesome, powerful and loving God who cares and loves us beyond our comprehension.  Praise your Holy Name.

WALKING BY THE OCEAN

As I walked by the Atlantic Ocean today, listening to the sounds of the waves rolling in, felt the sand under my bare feet, watched the waves cresting with white foam, the words

“I walked today where Jesus walked,

And felt Him close to me.” (Geoffrey O’Hara)

were given to me by our Heavenly Father.  I was praying, as I walked for several of my friends who are facing heavy burdens and facing sorrow and sadness.

I thought how Jesus often walked by the Sea of Galilee and prayed for His friends and those of us who would follow Him down through the ages.  He heard the same sounds I heard, felt the sand under his bare feet and watched the waves cresting as they rolled in and felt sorrow, sadness and was comforted by the sights and sounds around him.  Like me, He communed with with His Father who always hears our prayers and the groaning of our hearts as we hurt for others and carry their needs to The Father through his son Jesus.

The presence of Jesus was so strong, I hated to leave the beach but I felt comforted and at peace as I walked back up the sand.  I know He heard my pleas for my friend who is mourning the death of a son, one who is facing a new diagnosis of cancer, and others who are facing many difficulties with business and family issues. He is so faithful to give us his peace and comfort as we walk these difficult paths and I pray my friends who I prayed for today will know they are being comforted by His presence.  

Thank you Father for the beauty of the sea and the comfort I find there. He is faithful to hear and answer all our prayers and we praise and thank Him always.