Powerful and Calm

'Paradise Island' -by Amy L Ehlen-Brekke

As I was looking at this tranquil beach painting that I have taught many times in my paint classes, with it’s gentle waves climbing up on on the shore and the palm trees swaying in the breeze, I was reminded that there’s is something incredibly calming about the rhythmic sound of the waves. Psychologists have proven that it activates our parasympathetic nervous system allowing us to slow down, relax and feel more engaged. The relaxing effect that the ocean sounds have on us is due to something called “acoustic camouflage.” It is a passive sound that drowns out other noises and distractions and helps us clear our minds and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Looking out at the ocean, it’s endless horizon, and the way the water reflects the sky can remind us of the peace that God offers us, a peace that is steady, unwavering, and available to us in every moment.

I also was reminded of the scripture in Psalm 23, which is a beautiful reminder of God’s gift of peace. In verses 2 and 3, David writes, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul." These still waters represent a place of calm and refreshment. God leads us to these places in our lives, offering us rest when we are weary and peace when we are troubled. Just as the calm ocean reflects the sky, our souls are meant to reflect the peace of God when we rest in Him.

But as we all know, the ocean isn’t always calm. Sometimes the waves are high, the wind is strong, and the water becomes a powerful force. This reminded me of the story of Peter walking on the water in Matthew 14. When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he stepped out in faith, but when he took his eyes off Jesus and saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. Jesus reached out His hand and caught him, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

This story shows us that, like water, life can be both calm and turbulent. It’s easy to feel at peace when the waters are still, but when the storms of life come, our faith can be tested. The key is to keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting Him even in the midst of the storm. He is our calm in the chaos, our peace in the storm.

This year I am in the women’s mentorship program we have here at church and our memory verse for the month was out of Ecclesiastes and in one part of it it says that we should fear God and obey his commands. Having a fear of the Lord means having a reverential awe of God. It’s not about being afraid of Him, but rather about recognizing His power and majesty, and that can on a smaller scale be like how we respect the ocean. We admire the beauty and tranquility of the water, but we also understand its power. In the same way, we are in awe of God’s love, mercy, and grace, but we also respect His power and authority in our lives.

So, let’s keep this in mind—that the ocean can be a symbol of both God’s peace and His power. When we look at the calm waters, let’s remember the stillness that God offers our souls. And when we consider the vastness and depth of the ocean, let’s be reminded of the awe and respect we should have for our mighty God.

PRAYER:

Lord, I thank you that you are the One who leads us beside still waters and strengthens our faith in the midst of life’s storms. Thank you for offering us your perfect peace. Teach us to cast our cares and learn to trust you through all of our life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.