Even the Deepest Tides Return Again
I taught Rangers how to launch an attack on an enemy from the ocean as part of the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regimental Waterborne Infiltration Course. The course was designed to equip Rangers, unfamiliar with coastal terrain, with essential skills to stealthily infiltrate enemy territory from the beach and execute daring raids on politically sensitive targets deep within their land. The challenge awaits, and the thrill of the mission promises to push their limits!
The time we devoted to preparing individuals for the water and coastline was staggering, especially considering that the true target of our mission was exponentially more critical. Nevertheless, the ocean can be just as lethal as any adversary. To ensure the Rangers stayed alive and were ready to confront the real threat, they had to become adept at navigating the intricate dance of tides, powerful currents, and the lurking dangers of marine life.
The time we devoted to preparing individuals for the water and coastline was staggering, especially considering that the true target of our mission was exponentially more critical. Nevertheless, the ocean can be just as lethal as any adversary. To ensure the Rangers stayed alive and were ready to confront the real threat, they had to become adept at navigating the intricate dance of tides, powerful currents, and the lurking dangers of marine life.
The heavens move the water
Believe it or not, it’s not the Earth that moves the ocean tides… it’s the Moon! That’s right, the massive shift of millions of tons of water is entirely because of the unseen force of gravity. Even though we can't see its powerful effects, everyone knows gravity exists. The tides remind us of the way God works in the world He created. You can see the effects of gravity as the tides ebb and flow on the beach, in the same way that God’s invisible hand sustains and guides the world we live in.
Tides are one of the most reliable phenomena in the world. As the sun rises in the east and the stars come out at night, we are confident that the ocean waters will regularly rise and fall along our shores.1 Just as the Moon subtly influences the ocean tides, we may not always recognize the unseen ways in which God governs the Earth He created. However, just because the divine hand from Heaven is invisible doesn’t mean it isn't at work all around you—if you know where to look.
Tides are one of the most reliable phenomena in the world. As the sun rises in the east and the stars come out at night, we are confident that the ocean waters will regularly rise and fall along our shores.1 Just as the Moon subtly influences the ocean tides, we may not always recognize the unseen ways in which God governs the Earth He created. However, just because the divine hand from Heaven is invisible doesn’t mean it isn't at work all around you—if you know where to look.
The middle moves first
Did you know that tides don’t exist solely to force you to keep moving your beach blanket before you get baked by the sun? In fact, tides and currents serve as God’s dishwasher for the ocean. The tides are not just an event; they are the lifeblood of coastal ecosystems. They sustain and nourish us just as much as they do the creatures beneath the waves.2
The depths of the ocean move first. The waves splashing at the edge of the beach do not best represent the tides. Rather, it is the pull of the Moon on the center of the ocean that best represents them. As the ocean begins to respond to the Moon's gravity, the tides on the beach ebb and flow. We measure the tides at the beach because it’s far easier than measuring what’s happening in the heart of the ocean.
I'm convinced that God always operates in the depths of our hearts before prompting our hands or feet to fulfill His will. It must be the heart that moves first because God knows you’ll never sustain anything for long if your heart isn't in it. God knows He gets all of you when He gets your heart first… but never vice versa.
The depths of the ocean move first. The waves splashing at the edge of the beach do not best represent the tides. Rather, it is the pull of the Moon on the center of the ocean that best represents them. As the ocean begins to respond to the Moon's gravity, the tides on the beach ebb and flow. We measure the tides at the beach because it’s far easier than measuring what’s happening in the heart of the ocean.
I'm convinced that God always operates in the depths of our hearts before prompting our hands or feet to fulfill His will. It must be the heart that moves first because God knows you’ll never sustain anything for long if your heart isn't in it. God knows He gets all of you when He gets your heart first… but never vice versa.
The ebb always flows back
If the tide of your love for God is currently pulled by the powerful forces of pain or difficulty, don’t lose hope. Just as the waves recede from the beach when the Moon’s pull is strongest, the pull of spiritual difficulties can also affect your heart. But it shouldn’t stay that way forever.
Tides can tell you what’s happening across the whole world. The rise of ocean levels is a strong predictor of climate change and its global impact. Essentially, you can identify temperature patterns in the middle of the Sahara based on tide levels thousands of miles away.
Jesus promises that He will never leave His people in John 14:18-19. Just as the tides ebb away, He has promised to return for His people. If it feels like the tide of your heart is rushing out right now, leaving you dry and weary, don’t lose hope. Our life is like the Rangers landing at the edge of the beach. It’s important, but it pales in significance to the ultimate objective God has planned for us.
A day will come when King Jesus returns physically to rescue His people. Until that day arrives, He has left us His invisible Holy Spirit to guide our hearts as we tread the sands of the loneliest and most dangerous seashores.
Tides can tell you what’s happening across the whole world. The rise of ocean levels is a strong predictor of climate change and its global impact. Essentially, you can identify temperature patterns in the middle of the Sahara based on tide levels thousands of miles away.
Jesus promises that He will never leave His people in John 14:18-19. Just as the tides ebb away, He has promised to return for His people. If it feels like the tide of your heart is rushing out right now, leaving you dry and weary, don’t lose hope. Our life is like the Rangers landing at the edge of the beach. It’s important, but it pales in significance to the ultimate objective God has planned for us.
A day will come when King Jesus returns physically to rescue His people. Until that day arrives, He has left us His invisible Holy Spirit to guide our hearts as we tread the sands of the loneliest and most dangerous seashores.
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