BEACH TIME REFLECTIONS

One of my happy places is time away from the hustle and bustle of life, the routine of the everyday, and soaking up the beauty of the ocean and beach.

Yes, I know God’s Presence is always everywhere!  He can be found all around us, in each one of us, and in all of nature!

Seeing and feeling God’s Presence at the ocean waters and beach is more intense for me which is always a blessing and special time.  A time that surrounds me in God’s love and peace.

 

 

 

 

Do you, too, enjoy just sitting at the beach~~just observing and soaking up the beauty?

 

How did God make and orchestrate all of nature, all of humanity to be so perfect, so beautiful and to all work wonderfully together?

 

With pondering different thoughts during my latest trip to the beach, about a month ago now, I found it interesting to reflect on some different Bible verses that mention the “seas.”

 

Do you stop and wonder about the infiniteness of the ocean waters?

How did God make all of creation?

 

God made heaven and earth; he created the sea and everything else. God always keeps his word.  –Psalm 146:6  (CEV)

There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number– living things both large and small.  –Psalm 104:25  (NIV)

Then God commanded, “Let the water be filled with many kinds of living beings, and let the air be filled with birds.”  –Genesis 1:20  (GNT)

 

These verses remind us what an awesome God we have; the One who made heaven, earth, the seas, little and big creatures of the sea, the birds of the air, everything in this world, even His most prized creation, you and me, created in His image!

 

 

 

 

 

How does God make everything work together so perfectly day after day?

How do the moon, sun, ocean waters, the earth revolving, birds flying through the sky appear each day and night?

 

It is the Lord who provides the sun to light the day and the moon and stars to light the night, and who stirs the sea into roaring waves. His name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, and this is what he says:   “I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to abolish the laws of nature!”  –Jeremiah 31:35-36  (NLT)

You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.  –Psalm 89:9  (NIV)

You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and He rescued you.   He made the storm stop and the sea be quiet.  –Psalm 107:28-29  (CEV)

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.   The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”  –Matthew 8:26-27  (NLT)

 

These verses remind us that God provides everything on this earth from the sun to the dark of night to the raging seas.  God is in charge of everything~~All of creation is under His control, from the sea to you and me, my friend!

 

 

 

 

 

While at the ocean, do you, too, enjoy watching the continuity of the ocean waves flowing back and forth?

 

 

 

This time as I watched the scene unfold before me it reminded me of

…God’s love

I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.  But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.  –Psalm 42:7-8  (NLT)

 

…God’s grace

Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another.  God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  –John 1:16-17  (GNT)

 

…God’s mercy

His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him.  –Luke 1:50  (MSG)

 

that continually washes over us and our lives.

 

 

 

Another of God’s amazing creations that always fascinates me when I’m at the beach is the seagull.  Yes, I am the person who is continually attempting to capture a perfect bird in the air picture with the beautiful clouds and sky as a backdrop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This time I was reminded of this Bible verse as I took in the view:

Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?   Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  –Matthew 6:26-27  (NLT)

Yes, the birds of the air are a good reminder for us, aren’t they?  Well, at least for me.  😉

 

What was really an awesome and unique sight to see were the flocks and flocks of some kind of sparrows that would swarm in groups around some brush that ran between the sidewalk and beach.  Locals aren’t sure why this has been happening but surmise there must be something within the brush that is attracting these sparrows.  Just gazing up at this sight was even more of a reminder to be more like the birds of the air.

 

 

 

 

Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!  –Luke 12:24  (NLT)

For only a penny you can buy two sparrows, yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father’s consent.   As for you, even the hairs of your head have all been counted.   So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!  –Matthew 10:29-31  (GNT)

Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem; He will shield it and deliver it, He will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.”  –Isaiah 31:5  (NIV)

 

These verses remind us how very valuable we are to God~~How we need to not worry rather trust Him more and more each day.  God looks out for the birds of the air and provides moment by moment for them.  He does the same for you and me!

 

 

 

This week I pray you may be reminded how loved and valuable you are to the Creator of the world!

 

 

 

When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.  –Isaiah 43:2  (GNT)

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.  –Philippians 4:19  (NLT)