If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
- Psalm 139:9-10
Ever since I was a little boy on the Atlantic shore, I have felt like when I am on the beach, sitting or walking by the sea, that God was especially close to me. As a very young child, my father would often walk me at dawn and explain how God created all of the wonders like the sea for us to enjoy. He would say that they were given us as beautiful examples of how we know God is always with us. Later, when I was older I would take walks at dawn alone and say a short prayer and just have a conversation with God. It always made me feel better about life and any problems I might be facing.
While the ocean is certainly a very special place for me to see His love, grace and yes, His power under her changing conditions, she is by no means the only natural evidence of God's wonders and a place to draw near Him. Maybe it's on a mountainside, watching the beauty of the land below or even while plowing a field and harvesting the bountiful crops that are another blessing. Or, like me today in later life, looking out over a rural meadow at the sun coming up through the forest or the stars twinkling brightly on a dark night. We just need to remember that He is everywhere and even though He knows where we are and what we are dong always, He loves it when we open a personal conversation with Him. When we do and let Him work His magic on His, we will always be better off for doing it.
Dear Lord, We thank you for all of the beauty in nature that you have given us to enjoy. May we always keep our hearts open so that we never forget the wonderful examples it gives to show us you are always there and awaiting our conversation with you. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.