Tides

There are some places in the world where the ocean’s tide goes out so far that boats anchored in the bay will end up resting on the ocean floor awaiting the next incoming tide. I was a young girl the first time I saw this, and I found it both amusing and slightly alarming to see all those water-worthy vessels leaning precariously on the wet sand. Later, seeing them all bobbing quietly and securely on the high tide was a relief. Tides are dependable that way. I’m sure the fishermen never think a thing about it. The tide goes out, and they wait with confidence. Whether they stay on the beached and leaning vessel during the waiting, I don’t know. Maybe some do. One thing I do know: the tide always turns.

I am grateful for the things in this world that speak of God’s enduring faithfulness. The returning tides, the changing seasons, the day that always follows night. Although I guess, at the Northern and Southern tips, those days and nights are longer. Still there is a dependable rhythm.

And so it is on our journey. The hills go up and come down. The rain falls, then the sun shines. The path is sometimes rocky and sometimes smooth. Whatever we encounter, God is always there. His unchangingness both a guide and a comfort. Makes me almost know what it might have been like for the Israelites during those decades of traveling the wilderness with the constancy of the daily cloud column and the regular evening fire in the sky.

Sure, in the ebb and flow of life, there are still surprises. There are also inexplicable treasures. When the tide is out, and you have to wait for its return, you can now see ground that would otherwise be covered. Do you venture out and search this ground, or do you hunker down in your leaning vessel? What might be discovered if you take the risk? When the deep is brought nigh, these are the times when your intimacy with Him can grow. Listen to Him, while the distractions are kept at bay. They will return, but then you will have learned of Him.