I was sixteen years old before I saw the ocean. Okay, really it was the Gulf of Mexico, but it looks the same – soft, beige sand, distant horizon arcing over infinite waters. Even as teenager I was awestruck. Without planning, I ran as hard as I could into the water. Waves collided first with my knees as the salt water tried to keep me from moving forward. Pressing on, my arms extended like a soaring bird to keep upright. When the force hit my waist, I ran harder. The deeper I went, the higher the waves. As I met more resistance, I pushed with more might until I collapsed in the deep.
Isaiah 40:29, “He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.” MSG
My dad sat on a beach towel with a Kodak camera and watched the scene replay over and over. My orange bathing suit disappearing into the ocean, re-emerging and going back for more. Even then he thought it was a metaphor for my life.
Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” NIV
I still love the ocean, the waves and the color orange. It’s a happy color, full of energy. And I have enough energy to get on my own nerves. Lately I’ve been no match for the waves in my life, but I keep running into the deep anyway. I’m wet, I’m exhausted, but I’m still fighting. Back then I thought it was fun, now, not so much.
Isaiah 43:2, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown…” NLT
Despite the difficulties of my days, I keep running. God is my strength when I fix my eyes on Him. Since I made a decision to live the gospel a couple of months ago, I’ve been hit by a tidal wave of attack. But I know how to defend myself with the word of God.
Philippians 2:16, “Hold firmly to the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.” HCSB
When you feel like you’re drowning, hang on and look at the Son.
Waves come in all sizes. I know that mine are not as huge as yours but they are waves all the same. So thankful for friends that pray for each other as we go through waves. But BLESSED AND GRATEFUL for our LORD AND SAVIOR – who goes before us and is all around us as we plow through the waves in our lives. Praying for you.
Thanks. I definitely thought of all the friends, church family and even acquaintances who have walked through the hard parts with me. I count you as one of them!
Orange is one of my favorite colors too.
The waves always look smaller when we are looking to the Son.
I laughed out loud reading this and thinking about you running into the ocean. That explains so much! I love this post. Thanks for the visual, He’s parting waters for all of us.
Thank the Lord – – – The God of angel armies is always by my side!!!!! Love the post and love you!!!!
I love so many things about the ocean. The sound, the smell, the feel of it. But at the same time I have a tremendous respect for its mystery and power. It can be terrifying when there is a storm and the waves are so high and the wind is so strong. But there is also a calm that comes after the storm that is so peaceful and soothing. I am praying for that calm in the midst of your storms and I feel confident that God will bring that stillness to your soul. You have weathered so much but just like that child years ago that kept running into the waves even though they got stronger you will continue to increase your wisdom and knowledge of the grace and love of God. For He alone is your deliverer and your one and only source of strength. One of my favorite quotes is you never know how strong you truly are until you have to be strong. Praying for blessings and protection for you and your family. ?
Thank you for your beautiful, beautiful words