Beach Walk

 As we walk barefoot along the beach, the waves crashing and pulling the sand from beneath, we feel the might of the waves, the power of the ocean. We gaze out on the horizon at the endless waters. Though we know there is land on the other side, somewhere, our hearts feel the endless, fearful sea. The sea whose undertows and riptides can drag us to our death without the knowledge and calm of how to counter such dangers. The sea that seems to have no ending against the horizon line as if we could sail off the edge of the world. For thousands of years, this mighty sea has roared, drawing people and yet creating a fearful reverence. 

The floods have lifted up, O Lord,

    the floods have lifted up their voice;

    the floods lift up their roaring.

4 

Mightier than the thunders of many waters,

    mightier than the waves of the sea,

    the Lord on high is mighty!

~Psalms 93:3,4 ESV

Our God, the Creator of that sea is more mighty, more awesome,  more endless, and more mysterious, drawing us, pulling us to himself because on the other side of his love is a land of endless day, with mansions for our home. Our father has spread a table of welcoming fellowship. 

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah!

For the Lord our God

the Almighty reigns.

 Let us rejoice and exult

and give him the glory,

for the marriage of the Lamb has come,

and his Bride has made herself ready;

 it was granted her to clothe herself

with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

~Revelation 19:6-9 ESV

The sea of life is full of dangers that would drag us away from the Father, drowning us in a sea of endless loss. Daily we receive warnings of how to traverse that sea of life, beginning with repentance and faith in God's Son. Learning to swim the ocean also takes practice and study. As Christians, we need to implement the practice of prayer and the study of scripture to teach us how to swim the ocean of life. 

Enjoy that vacation at the beach. Take the Father and His word with you. Look for the things he has placed in your life to draw you and show you about himself. 

Father, help us see you in all that is around us. Teach us to listen to the words of your voice. Help us as we try to live this life to glorify your name and show others the way to you. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

Do you have a favorite vacation spot or a favorite place to be alone at home? 

How do you see the Lord in that place? How do you meet with him there? 

Can you see things or find things that remind you of the Bible stories you learn? Maybe holding a shell to your ear you hear the ocean roar. Can that remind you that we must purposefully listen to hear the voice of God speaking to our hearts? 

Perhaps you see the sparrows nesting and bringing food for their young. Does that remind you that God provides homes and food for his creatures and he will provide a home and food for you? 

This would be a good week to tell the Lord how thankful you are for his provision and care.