Experiencing the Ocean

Here’s what I love: experiencing the ocean.

Well, in this case, it was actually a gulf—The Gulf of Mexico.  But the gulf is indeed connected to an ocean and it acts like an ocean, so it definitely counts.

After trudging through the deep, loose, white sands, I finally reach the squishy tan sand nearest the water.  At first, I am distracted by shells and clams, which masquerade as treasure.  But, a wave crashes against the shore reclaiming my full attention—I side step seaweed and stop.  Staring out at the massive waters ahead, I smile faintly as the foam licks my toes and the spray whispers light kisses on my face. 

I wade in a little deeper.

I feel a gentle pull at the back of my knees drawing me in. 

Then the full power of the ocean confronts me.  This is real.  I use muscles in my entire body to push through the crashing, unpredictable waves. 

Soon, I am up to my neck in the swelling, rolling water.  It’s peaceful here.  My hair is wet, my ears have water in them, I lick my lips and taste the salt.  Squinting in the sunlight which seems to be coming from both sky and water,

I smile and breathe and float.

You have to get IN the ocean to truly know the ocean.

You may live on a farm in Nebraska, but you believe the ocean exists.  You’ve read about it in books.  You’ve seen pictures.  Maybe tan people have even brought you seashell mementos from their ocean visits. 

But, once you’ve trudged through the sand yourself and felt the power of the waves and tasted the salt on your very own tongue, you will never ever forget that feeling.

 Knowing God can be like that. 

As a child, I was told about God.  I read about God.  People conveyed to me stories of their own experiences with God.  Their glowing faces revealed their proximity just as sun-kissed skin is one sign that you’ve been to the beach. 

Then, Jesus took me off the “farm” and showed me the way through the sand towards the one true God.  When I was a child, wading in up to my ankles was enough.  The word of the Lord was powerful and invigorating and joy-giving. 

Cleansed by Christ, I can now swim.  I know the feeling of the Holy Spirit’s whisper like sea breeze on my face.   I feel the draw like the subtle tide waters pulling me deeper still. 

I’ve tasted the salty ocean waves and His name is like honey on my lips. 

As sure as I am that I was floating in the Gulf of Mexico just a few days ago, I know I have experienced God in much the same way.  I pray that just as my tanned skin reveals where I was last week, that my peace filled heart and genuine smile will be evidence of time spent in the depths of God’s love. 

As unfathomably deep and powerful as the ocean is, God is deeper still and infinitely mightier!

After all, He created the oceans and He rules the swelling of the sea.  

He can gather those powerful waters up into a heap! 

Not only can He still the waves, He can bring peace to my tumultuous heart.

God answers!  People from all over the world trust Him.  (Ps. 65:5) 

Therefore, I will not fear though the earth should change and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea…God Himself is my refuge and strength. 

P.S. Even though I was fully submerged in the waters of the Gulf, divers and oceanographers will tell you that I was merely scratching the surface of all that the Ocean has to offer.  

Likewise, just because I’ve felt God’s presence in an almost tangible intensity and I’ve plunged fairly far into God’s word (Bible major in college and took 3 years of Hebrew), I can not even begin to fathom God’s mysterious greatness.  

But, just like the faithful ocean tide, I am drawn in again and again to squint in the unknown and rest in the constant strength of God's surrounding love.