A Surprising Revelation the Ocean Uncovers About God

Exploring and musing at creation is a passion of mine. I love to take in the vistas of the natural wonders. Perhaps there are few things more breathtaking to me than the majesty of the mountains, the colors of a summer sunset or the vastness of the sea. Certainly, God’s theater puts on a daily display infinitely greater than anything we could ever produce.

What’s especially moving to me about creation is how it reveals so much of God’s character. Paul boasted something similar. To the Romans he declared, “The invisible things about Him—His eternal power and deity—have been clearly seen since the creation of the world and are understood by the things that are made, so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20).

God’s Character in Creation

Just consider the ocean, for example. On one hand, it’s a tremendous display of God’s might. But on the other, it’s a beautiful reflection of His peace. When I see the water, the waves and the sand, I even profoundly see the condition of humankind alongside the faithfulness of God’s forgiveness. Follow me here.

The sand on the shore illustrates the slate of life. Picture it roughed-up from a day of tourists—footprints, collapsed sand castles and fingers that plowed through its grains. What’s left over represents our sins, struggles, pains and griefs, which all mesh together on it in a way that can appear like an ugly mess. If we focus only on this view, the scene might look devastated and hopeless. But like God’s grace and forgiveness, beyond the sand are the faithful waves that crash ashore to cover the mess and debris and leave behind a slate wiped clean. How awesome! However unpleasant the former view, when washed over, it’s left unblemished and made brand-new.

No Fishing

But just as the ocean doesn’t collect these graffiti in the sand to bring back at a later time, God doesn’t hold on or remember your transgressions, either. No, the Bible assures that ” as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103:12). That’s a picture of infinite distance. The east can never meet the west, and your forgiven sins will never be remembered by God again. Or like the lyrics of an old Sunday school song I once heard, “For He’s thrown them in the deepest part of God’s forgetful sea, where there’s a great big sign that says ‘No Fishing’!”

Confess the Mess

So let me ask: does your life look like a mess right now? Maybe some it’s of your own doing. Maybe some of it’s the result of things that you didn’t choose. It doesn’t matter. Don’t waste a moment; make a confession to God right now: Father, I have failed; I am hurt. And I am sorry for my part in it all. But I thank you for your forgiveness made possible by the blood of Jesus. I receive it fresh today. And I stand on your promise that I am cleansed and made brand-new. {eoa}

Kyle Winkler equips people to live in victory. His mobile app, Shut Up, Devil!, is the #1 spiritual warfare app and his book, Activating the Power of God’s Word, uncovers 16 strategic declarations to transform your life. Kyle holds a Master of Divinity in biblical studies from Regent University. Get daily encouragement from Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.

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