Monday Messages-Ocean

The ocean is vast and can be scary and daunting and dangerous.  But safe on the shore, I find it relaxing.  I love the feel of the sand on my feet.   The cool breeze.  The sound of gulls in the distance.  The children playing.  But the sound of the waves is my favorite thing.  It reminds me of deep, slow, rhythmical  breathing.  The following youtube video is great for focusing and relaxing and matching your own breathing to the rhythm of the waves to help wash away worries and problems of the day.

The ocean reminds me of peace because when you are on the beach, the loudest thing is the ocean.  It drowns out all other sounds unless someone is speaking right near you, especially if you are looking at the ocean and focusing on the waves.  Similarly, when we focus our lives on Jesus Christ, the sounds of the world are muffled and we can enjoy the peace the gospel brings. One of my favorite church hymns is called Master the Tempest is Raging and it says:

Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea

Or demons or men or whatever it be,

No waters can swallow the ship where lies

The Master of ocean and earth and skies.

They all shall sweetly obey thy will:

Peace, be still. ¹⁴