25 Jun
Solid Ground
The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation. Psalm 33:11
For four days we walked the same path to the beach, crossed over the gray, wooden bridge that spanned the berm, and trudged through the sand to place our chairs in the least crowded spot to enjoy the surf and the wonderful sea breeze. Four days walking past the same sign at the edge of the beach without ever taking the time to read its warning. But for some reason, on Day 4, I paused, probably to adjust my load or to get a sandspur out of my flip flop, but I stopped and read: “Extreme currents and shifting sands. Swim at your own risk.”
“Oh boy! I couldn’t agree more,” I thought as I huffed and puffed through the sandy mounds to where my family had already staked our claim for the day. But, once settled in my chair with a good book, I couldn’t shake the double message of that sign and the way it perfectly expressed my recent feelings toward life. So much change—so little stability. And so much risk over which I had so little control. And unlike a decision to swim in the ocean, I had very little choice over whether or not to dive into life. Like it or not, I was already in the waves, and it was time to sink or swim.
As I watched the daring ones splashing and riding that “extreme current” on bright inflatable rafts, I thought about the “shifting sands” in my life: career changes, family relationships, health issues, friendships, etc. Would nothing stay the same? Did everything have to change?
Yes and no. The world we live in is fading away. People age, relationships change, and it really is impossible to stay in the same place forever. But, take heart. “Because I, Yahweh, have not changed” (Malachi 3:6). God is our unfailing anchor in the crashing waves of our ever-changing lives. He is the Rock to which we can tether ourselves and not be blown off course. His counsel stands firm forever.
I take comfort in knowing that the One who threw me into the water is the same One who has a plan for my life. He will never leave me nor forsake me (Heb. 13:5). I will not drown in the changes that seem to overwhelm me, because I can count on Jesus to lift up my head and keep me moving in the right direction. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). Now, if I could just relax and enjoy the ride!
Lord Jesus, You are ever faithful and unchanging. Thank You for holding my head above the waves of change. Help me to relax in Your arms and to trust in the certainty of Your strong presence. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
What do you think? Join the discussion »
