God of the Ocean
When I see the ocean, it's like I'm a child again. I just want to run, just want to dance, and sing, and yell at the top of my lungs. For me it's the place where I'm finally, totally free. A place where I can breathe deeper. It's 100% my element and more than being my element- it's the place where I find Jesus more.
Something about the powerful waves and the deepness and creatures of the Ocean makes me remember how powerful and good God is. As each wave hits the sand, I'm reminded that He takes my sins and casts them into the sea. As I feel the sand between my toes, I remember how Jesus knows exactly every detail of my life and has such detailed plans for me.
For me, swimming in the Ocean is always worth it because it's the place I connect with God the most.
And the Ocean is way more healing for me then talking to a friend, going to a counselor, drinking the most caffeinated drink.
And that's partly because the Ocean is real. It's not a medicine, it's not a quick fix, it's not just something I have to hope for or believe in far away, it's right in front of me and I can be in it. It's adventure- I can be a part of. It's a direct extension of the God I know.
Psalm 19:1-2 says "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they reveal knowledge."
Sometimes I wonder how our life would be changed without technology. It's so tempting for me to hold my cellphone, close to me at all times, to want to be inside or comfortable. And yet the most joyous and glorious times of my life have been when I was "unplugged" and "disconnected" from technology where I could experience God's creation and adventure.
I think it's so important for us to to go outside and see God's creation and just live in it. This world makes it sometimes so tempting to just stay comfortable and play pretend. But when we go out into nature: the oceans, the mountains, the forests, the deserts- they all testify about the character of God. They teach us about our Maker. And when we are truly submerged in nature, how then can we pretend to be something we're not? How can we not meet Jesus when we are surrounded in His creation? I think far often in contrast, nature calls us to praise.
Here are some questions to consider:
Where is the place where I find Jesus most? And how can I spend more time in that place?
How can I change my environment to make it a place where I can hear Jesus clearer?
How can I silence technology and the noise of "public living" so I can actually hear God's nature and God's voice clearer?
How has technology changed my view of the world?
How has nature changed my view of God?
