Monday Motivation: Unending

Friends

I just returned from a fabulous week at the beach in South Carolina. We stayed at a lovely state park right on the ocean. October is a wonderful month to stick your toes in the sand. Some of the days were a bit chilly, but the cooler weather kept the crowds away, which was kind of nice! I was blessed with two occasions where I was the only soul on the entire beach. It doesn’t get much better than that!.

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“For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.”

Psalm 26:3 – ESV

The strong breeze ruffled my hair as I stood among the sea oats atop the san dune. I felt the goose bumps travel up my arms, perhaps the result of the chilly wind, but more likely due to the exquisite scene before me. The white sand hugging the shoreline was absolutely pristine, almost glowing in the early morning light. My feet wedged in the deep, cool sand, I stood alone on that shoreline, not another soul in sight, save the squawking seagulls circling overhead.

For as far as I could see in either direction, there was nothing but deep blue water. It stretched all the way to the horizon, meeting the sun there, as it hung low, fanning its golden rays across the water, forming a path of shimmering light that ran straight toward me. It was like my own private path to heaven, and I stood marveling at the majesty of God’s amazing creation.

Staring out across the dark blue water, I was struck afresh by the unceasing nature of the ocean. The deep blue waters constantly churn, bringing forth wave after wave of tumbling water. The waves rise and fall as they waltz their way toward the shoreline. One by one, they make their debut on the sandy stage,hailed by the roaring applause of rushing water. Their moment in the spotlight complete, the waves take a bow and then humbly retreat from center stage. It is a graceful dance that never stops.

Whether dawn is breaking or the moon is rising, the ocean dance goes on and on. Though the seasons change, the waltz of the waves never ceases. There are easy days when the waves flow gently, their movements smooth and calm. When the storm clouds stir the sea, the waves bombard the shoreline with their fury. Still, the dance itself does not change.

The tide rolls in, rolls out. On and on, it goes, always and forever, unchanging, unceasing, unending. Just like our God.

The unceasing nature of the ocean reflects the very nature of its Maker. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present. Nothing can stop Him. He never changes.

When the sun rises, our God is with us. When the sun sets, He is still there. When the moonlight shimmers across the waters, the Presence of God remains.

Although storm clouds may stir the sea, God remains with us. The waves of adversity may tumble and crash all around, but God will not let the waves overtake us. He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

God does not change. He is good, and we can take refuge in Him. God does not stop. He is faithful to see us through the storms of life. God is ever-present. We can count on Him. He is always working for our good (Romans 8:28). God’s love for us never fails. It goes on and on, forever, unchanging, unceasing, unending.

Friends, can you take a moment to close your eyes and think of the ocean, your toes in the sand, the rush of water filling your ears? Can you see the waves tumbling and crashing on the shoreline, the waltz of the waves never ceasing, never ending? Breathe deeply and imagine the salty air filling your lungs. Now you are ready to contemplate these timeless truths. Like the endless roll of the tide, God’s love for you will never end. It will never change. His love for you will surely never fail. Unchanging, unceasing, unending, that’s our God.

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“Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”

Psalm 33:22 – ESV

PRAYER

Almighty God, Your steadfast love endures forever. Your faithfulness never ends. You are always with us, watching over us, lifting our heads above the waves. O Lord, let us rest in the assurance of Your Presence. Let us place our hope in You alone. For Your great love for us goes on and on, forever.

In the Mighty Name of Jesus, we pray,

Amen

Blessings,

Anita

-APS 10/30/2023