And All That Is In Them
Inhale.
Exhale.
The smell of saltwater dances on the warm and gentle breeze. The sound of waves swelling and forming in the distance echoes the nearby crashes of ocean meeting sand at the shoreline.
On the horizon, the fins of a pod of dolphins break the surface and peek above the rippling waters in the distance. Above, a few seagulls soar and coast on the steady winds blowing off the water.
The ocean as we know and love it best; calming, serene, peaceful. On a blue-skied, clear-watered day, it’s quite evident that, yes, even the wind and waves obey their Maker.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” - Matthew 8:27 NIV
Yet, from the very same waters, emerge tragic, catastrophic news headlines announcing what we would consider to be “worst case scenarios” : drownings, hurricanes, brutal accidents. Less frequently, we hear of nearly unbelievable but often life-altering or fatal collisions between man and creature.
I once read something along the lines of “water has the power to give AND to take”. I think that’s true but truer still, water is a reminder of its Creator who has all power and dominion over every living thing in heaven and on earth. He gives as He pleases and takes away according to His will. The same God who determines the tide is sovereign over all.
And even amidst the dangers of tumultuous waters, the winds and waves still obey Him.
The sea and skies declare the glory of the Lord. The waves echo His steadfast love and faithfulness and each grain of sand is a testament to His attention to detail.
National Geographic shares some fascinating facts about the salt water surrounding us:
The ocean makes up about 71% of our planet’s surface. Nearly three quarters of earth is covered in water. More than 80% of that water is completely uncharted; undiscovered, unmapped, and untraveled.
Knowing this makes one of my favourite bible verses all the more beautiful:
He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. - Micah 7:19
So much of the ocean is unknown to us as infinite, limited humans but the same God who parted the Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites escaping Egypt is the One who also holds entire oceans in His hands to this day.
Such a comfort it is to know that God not only provides for the birds that glide on the winds above the waves but also cares for and about the most minuscule details of the deepest canyons and darkest caverns in the sea.
He sustains the most obscure and unique creatures on the deepest depths of the ocean floor and yet also fully and wholly sustains both you and me.
Our Creator has intricately designed the most brilliant and genius details of aquatic wildlife - down to every reef, coral, fin, and gill - and yet delights in us - human beings - so much He created us in His likeness.
The ocean, slightly unfathomable and beyond intriguing reflect His glory, strength, power. All creation, the skies and sea below, sing His praises through the constant rhythm of their daily flow.
Seeing the magnificent, glorious handiwork of Earth’s and our Maker is a reason to worship; praise, and honour Him.
Knowing He holds it all in His hands is a reason to trust Him.
