For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their calamity; they reeled and staggered like drunkards, and were at their wits’ end.  Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out from their distress;  he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.  Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.  Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.   Psalm 107:25-31

As we travel through this life it appears to me that it is like surfing the waves of the ocean. As the journey begins we see the waves of life beginning to swell. Higher and higher they come towards us and we are ready. We begin to prepare to take off as we paddle harder and harder. Soon the swell picks us up and we are on the wave. All is well and the excitement of our journey and what lies ahead of us is new. We rise and fall with the shape of the wave as we turn one way and the other up and down as our adrenaline begins to rise in our being.

Then as we experience the joy of this journey we are hit by something unforeseen. Either the backwash of life or a rail (the edge of our board) gets caught – whatever the reason, we are knocked of our board and free- fall towards the mighty ocean, helpless and afraid. We cry out, ‘Lord, Lord?’ but to no avail.

We ask in our hearts, ‘Where is God? Where are his promises to save me? I am alone!’

Then, when it appears all is lost, God reaches out God’s mighty hand and lifts us higher than we were.

God places us back on our boards and the journey continues. But now we are aware of the presence of the Mighty Lord. We see God’s hand of mercy and our direction is clearer.

“This is what happens to all of us some time or another.” Then the verse above came into my heart. And I was glad of the stormy, sometimes quiet journey God has given us. At times we think that there is chaos and disaster, but if we would just “hide” in the waves (in Christ) or as it is known to surfers, “in the tube,” we will find gladness of heart, quiet, and abundant life. Hence the word of encouragement I leave with you…

Go in Peace…Surf the Lord!!