There are seasons in life when we don’t feel anchored, and we drift. Sometimes slowly, through distraction, busyness, or discouragement, and at other times more suddenly, through loss, illness, or a moment that knocks the wind out of us.
When Life Carries Us Out to Sea
And before we know it, we’ve been carried out to sea, and are far from the safety of the shore.
This week in prayer, I was reminded of a journal entry and a powerful image the Lord shared with me some years ago.
The Voice That Calls Us Back
My children, come back to Me.
I stand with open arms to receive you, always.
I stand waiting for your return like a parent waiting for a child lost at sea. I stand at the water’s edge, watching, hoping, longing to catch a glimpse of My lost child.
The sea can appear endless. At times quiet and still as glass. At other times, raging and angry. It can swallow up My children and leave them worn down and broken.
But I stand waiting.
I await their return, and when I see them, I run to them. No matter how battered they are by the seas of life, I will pick them up and carry them to safety.
I will restore them if they allow Me to.
I will nurture them with tenderness and love.
They were created for union with Me, where love is freely given and freely received.
But they must choose Me over the seas of this world.
The world can look beautiful, like a calm ocean before dawn. Peaceful. Inviting.
But without warning, the storms come. The waves rise. And My children are pulled under.
Still, My hand is outstretched.
My heart pours out love for them. They only need to reach for Me, and I will pull them out and save them.
The Sea Is Not What It Promises
How many of us have felt like this? Pulled under by something we didn’t expect. Carried farther than we ever intended to go.
The “sea” looks different for each of us:
- a season of pain
- a struggle we can’t seem to break
- disappointment that quietly distances us from God
- or simply the slow drift of a distracted heart
God Is Waiting at the Shore
And yet, this is the truth: God is not distant while we drift. He is standing at the shore, watching, waiting, longing.
The Lord doesn’t wait with judgment or frustration. But with open arms and love.
He is not asking us to swim back perfectly. He is simply asking us to reach out.
All We Have to Do Is Reach
Maybe today, you feel a little lost at sea.
You don’t need to have it all together. You don’t need to fix everything first.
Just reach for Him.
Even a small prayer, even a slight whisper, “Jesus, help me.”
And trust that He is already closer than you think. Already reaching towards you. Ready to carry you.
The truth is, He has never stopped watching the horizon for you.
Reflection
1. What “sea” in my life has been pulling me under, and can I invite God into it right now?
2. Do I believe that God is waiting for me with love or do I still feel I need to earn my way back?
3 Responses
Blessings on your daughter’s weekend, a prayer for that.
Yes. sometimes the Lord sends us a real punch that makes us waver, but
as you say only looking to Him in trust can change everything and
lift our hearts!
Thank you, Sandy!
During our drifting, the Presence of Jesus is closer than ever. Each drifting is God’s way to help us become aware of His perfect and powerful love. thereby making our faith and love for Him stronger and deeper. Jesus waits patiently for us to accept and trust Him. The shore becomes closer. Jesus is trust in you!