When God Speaks at the Beach

God has a way of speaking to me when I least expect to hear His voice. A vacation at the beach became life’s classroom for spiritual lessons.

My family declared a state of emergency over our busy and chaotic routine. So, we traveled to a South Carolina beach. Intentional on relaxation and catching our breath from daily life.

Ah. The beach. The ocean. Inhale. Exhale.

A beach front condo and grand view of the Atlantic Ocean welcomed us to town. Well, hello Fridays. Good to see you. Enjoy. 

God used the five senses to speak His truths to my heart.

Hearing at the beach

Turns out, you don’t have to hold a large seashell to your ear to hear the ocean. The sound of waves lullabied me to sleep at night and wakened me each morning. The real thing.

I own several sleep-aid devices. First, a bed-side clock and noise machine. And I’ve downloaded the iDream App on my iPhone. Both produce sounds like white noise, waterfalls, thunderstorms, and ocean waves.

Still, I was privileged to a live performance of God’s handiwork. A concert of waves harmonically dancing in rhythm. God’s the real thing. He can’t be technically reproduced in a device or machine. God’s the  orchestra conductor when creation sings.

Turns out, the sounds of God are all around me. In creation, people, and in life. I’m never on vacation from God or His voice. I can hear Him speak to me anywhere and at any time. I’m privileged to a live performance of His handiwork in my life. Every. Single. Day.

Sight at the beach

My bedroom window captured first sight of a sea world. Every morning I peeped through curtains to see the magnificent display of God’s creation. A beautiful skyline hanging in the heavens above a bounty of water. Wait, it gets better.

The balcony’s sliding glass door in the living room grabbed my eyes attention throughout the day. Whether inside or outside, the sand and surf’s presence could not be missed. Large and in charge for my viewing pleasure.

God wants to capture my first sight each day. For me to see Him. The magnificent display of God in my world through His Word, prayer, and an intimate relationship with Him.

Jesus desires to grab my eyes attention throughout the day. He’s presence cannot be missed. Large and in charge for my viewing pleasure. Every. Single. Moment.

Smell at the beach

Have you smelled it? The ocean’s unique aroma? It’s hard to find words to describe it, but I’ll try. Crisp. Freshness in the air. Salty. Yes, you can smell salty.

While it’s true that seaweed and dead sea creatures reek a foul odor, there are pleasant smells. I could smell ocean air long before I set my eyes on the ocean. My nose always knows.

God’s truth reveals I have a unique aroma. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15 ESV). 

Others can smell the fragrance of Jesus in me long before they set eyes on me. My smell helps them know me.

They sense who I am by my words and tone on the phone. People know the real me in the way I conduct myself online and on social media. They know my fragrance long before they meet me in person.

Touch at the beach

As I walked out into the water, the tactile sensation of the sea made contact with my skin. I gradually went deeper, waves hitting at my waist.

My daughter and her husband rode the waves on a boogie board. Yet I did not share their passion for catching waves. I watched and supported from the water’s edge. Some days the current was strong and forceful.

We noticed a feeble, elderly man gingerly wade into the water. Unsteady, he would lose his footing. Unsure if he would regain his stance, I grew concerned. A wave came along and knocked him off his feet. A bystander assisted as I wondered. Is the lifeguard aware of the man’s delicate body and what can quickly turn disastrous?

In that moment, His voice spoke to my heart. “I’m always with you.” ~ God

As I wade into life’s water, the Lord watches and supports. Some days the current’s strong and forceful. I may be feeble and unsteady on my feet.

Still, God knows when things can quickly turn disastrous. But He’s there and aware. If I’m delicate and lose my footing in life, He assists me. When life knocks me off my feet, I will regain my stance because He is with me.

Taste at the beach

Have you ever tasted the sea? Swimming, riding waves, and other adventurous activities help us sample the ocean’s H20. Salty water hits our lips. We’re reminded it’s not fresh water. Or drinking water. It holds no survival for physical sustenance in its present form.

God reminded me to daily drink the fresh water He provides. Water providing spiritual sustenance. And to come to Him thirsty for living water and offer it to my family. Well, hello Fridays. Good to see you. Enjoy.