Thinking back to my beach trip today and recalling a precious memory of my grandfather. Hope this summer day finds you thinking pleasant thoughts as we remind ourselves of our Father’s love.
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Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 – NIV
My recent wave watching conjured up the memory of a long ago day at the beach. While my father was in Vietnam, my mother and I lived in a small house near my grandparents. As summer rolled around, my grandparents decided to take my mother and I to the beach. Knowing how much we missed my Dad, Grandma and Grand no doubt suggested the trip to cheer us up. It was the perfect distraction for a seven year old girl.
We drove to Myrtle Beach to stay at a cousin’s house near the ocean. Once we had donned our bathing suits, Grand and I made our way to the beach. I could not wait to splash in the water. I rushed down to the shallow water with Grand not far behind. After splashing about for a bit, Grand called out, “Come on girl, let’s go ride the waves!”
Holding Grand’s hand tightly, he and I waded out into the deeper water. It felt like I was miles from shore, but I was not worried. I was holding Grand’s hand and he would keep me safe.
Once in deeper water, Grand took both of my hands in his and turned me to face him. As the large waves drew near, Grand called out, “Now jump!” With perfect timing, Grand raised his hands and lifted me up out of the water allowing me to float over the wave. I loved it! Again and again, we repeated the motion until I had properly worn my grandfather out.
Riding the waves is one of those magical moments of childhood. Yet, the waves that hit us in adulthood are not so fun. Have you ever noticed that trouble seems to come in waves? One thing breaks down at your house, only to be followed by another. Hardships hit us when we least expect it. They catch us off guard, throw us off balance. One minute, things are going well. Then suddenly, our world is turned upside down with the test results or the late night phone call.
It feels like the waves are rolling in, crashing all around us, threatening to pull us under. Despite the turmoil surrounding us, we are not in that water alone. God has waded in with us. Our Heavenly Father is reaching for our hands that He might turn us to face Him, so that He might lift our heads above the mighty waves.
God knows our troubles. He knows our worries and fears. While trouble is a part of this earthly life and the churning waves will always come, we do not have to face our adversity or afflictions alone. God is waiting with outstretched arms for us to seek Him, to lift up our prayers to His listening ear. When we place our trust in His care and protection, we can learn to ride the waves and safely keep our heads above the troubled waters.
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Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 – NIV
PRAYER
O Heavenly Father, You are our loving Father, our protector, our refuge. In this world filled with trouble, You ride the waves by our side, lifting our heads above the mighty waves. Teach us to trust You completely, to lay our concerns at Your feet that we might rest in Your loving care. O Father, thank You for the good men in our lives, our fathers and father figures who have loved us and taught us so much. We are forever grateful for such blessings!
Faith Beyond Sight 