Reminder of the Shore

The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. - Matthew 13:1 KJV
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​There is something about the beach that is good for my soul. Now I am not talking about beaches like most people think about. I live in Florida but not “that” Florida. We live in the area that is referred to as The Forgotten Coast. If you don’t want tourist traps or crowds, this area is where you go. Sometimes I can take my kids to the beach and there may be only two or three other families. Last year I was unable to go to the beach due to health issues. Since God is restoring my health, I have decided to go every chance I can. Recently my husband and I took our date night to the coast. We ate dinner by the water and walked the beach as the sun set. The salty breeze was blowing. The waves were crashing against the shore. The sand was squishing between my toes. In these moments it felt like all the world was brought back to the basics. The earth beneath my feet, wind blowing in my face and the sound of water in my ears. I was reminded of my foundation.

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24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. - Matthew 7:24-27 KJV

​I love the feel of sand under my feet. Walking through it can be very tricky, though. Sand is constantly shifting and not stable. Any weight that is put on it makes it move. Just like sand, the world around us is always changing and shifting. We think we have a firm grasp on things and then pressure will cause everything to shift, slipping through our grasp. If we build on the shifting sand of life we will crumble just like the house in Jesus’s parable. 

16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. - Isaiah 28:16 KJV

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Building on the word of God give us a firm foundation. I always tell my Bible studies and class, filter everything through the word of God. Does what I say line-up with scripture? Does what you think and feel line-up with scripture? Does the latest fad or philosophy line-up with scripture? If it doesn’t line-up, throw it out. God does not change, but has stayed firm and true through all time.
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14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; - Ephesians 4:14 KJV

Life can toss you this way and then that way. Back and forth. Up and down.  Things that were supposed to be good for us when we were younger, “experts” now say are bad for us. What was bad for us, is now said to be good. What was morally wrong years ago, the world now says is right. It is no wonder life can feel like we are in a whirlwind. I have seen what hurricane winds can do to a coastline. Trees will be twisted and bare of leaves. Roads and homes washed away.  At times all that will be left of a house is the foundation. Likewise we at times need to get back to our foundation. Life will give us ups and downs. That is the natural flow of life. But we need to remember where and what our foundation is. What are you built on? Does everything you have built belong on your foundation? Sometimes the winds and waves are to try what you have built. Does it line up with the foundation or does it need to be tossed away?

7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. 8 [Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life. - Psalm 42:7-8 KJV

​As the sky streaked with pink, purple and orange and the water and sand turned to gray, I felt a peace, like a song, wash over me. I was reminded that my foundation was sure. I may feel the wind, but it blows away the debris.  The waves may crash, but it washes away the sediment of life. The sands around me may shift, but my foundation is the Rock that has been tested and tried. It is a sure cornerstone.

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