Lessons From The Ocean

​Today, the ocean is beckoning me to come and let her waves playfully crash over me. I am awestruck by her breathtaking beauty and imposing presence. She creates space within my soul, making me breathe deeper—steadier.

Spending this time at the beach is balm to my soul in this difficult season  The unknown consequences of hard decisions are looming on the horizon. They must be faced. My little world feels like it’s spinning on some unknown chaotic axis. I am grasping for hope amongst a panacea of unanswered questions that are churning in my stomach, making me feel sea sick.

Making future decisions for one who can’t is weighty—overwhelming. These types of decisions can send waves of dissension through a family system.

Life and its circumstances change, making me want to run and stay immobilized on the shores of the Sea of Yesterday.


I don’t know how to fully live in the tension of the unknown. The riptide of fear threatens to drown my faith.

Sister, do you find yourself in a hard season? One filled with change, hard decisions, and an  unknown future? Is fear and worry flooding your soul? They can certainly wash away and erode your joy and peace. This I know…

That’s why I need the presence of the sea. It’s home to me. I grew up along her shores, and it’s the place I have often gone with life’s heartaches and troubling questions. Today, I feel small and scared, searching for direction.

The depth and width of the ocean’s vastness has the capacity to hold my unanswered questions. My worry laden soul is invited to delight in her stunning swirling arrays of aqua blue and emerald green.

The constant sound of the waves playfully lapping against the shore creates a smooth steady rhythm, like a mother singing a lullaby to her baby. I am reminded I am being held by greater hands. God’s hands.

The sea so poignantly points to the Creator. Even with all of her power and might, she is guided by greater hands. God’s hands.

His power alone caused the Red Sea to part for the Israelites. And, Jesus quieted the churning waters of a raging storm on the Sea of Galilee.

God, who controls the unbridled power of the ocean, is in control of the circumstances of my world and yours too, my sister.

We must trust it all to the One who commands the force of the sea to stay within her borders.


God is able and willing to direct, stabilize, and create peace in the unsteady waters of our lives.

Peace only comes in the surrendering, which keeps doubt and fear from drowning us in the Sea of Despair.


We can stay there, letting the dark waves pull us under, or we can choose to live in a different sea, one that has waves too, but acknowledges that it’s held and guided by greater hands. God’s hands.

May we choose the latter. It’s called the Sea of Faith.


Scripture to Ponder:
“Should you fear me?” declares the Lord. “Should you not tremble in My presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot pass. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail, they may roar, but they cannot cross it.” (Jeremiah 5:22)

Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the vast beauty of the ocean. It is truly a gift; a reminder that Your skillful hands keep the ocean within her borders, so we can trust You with all the circumstances of our lives. You are omniscient, faithful, and trustworthy.  Help us remember that. Amen.


Author:  Maryanne Abbate

​

---