By Pastor Mark Moreno

Feeling Small

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The vastness of the ocean tends to make me feel fairly small. There is beauty and power in the swell of the waves, the salty spray in the air, and the hues of blue in the churn of water. Watching from the shore, it can be almost hypnotic watching the ebb and flow of the waves. It is rhythmic, and it is often relaxing.

However, when I am in the water, it is rhythmic but NOT relaxing. The water may allow me to be lifted up over the crashing wave, but sometimes, the wave crashes on me. When that happens, I get tossed about and water up my nose. By the time I recover, another wave crashes upon me and I repeat the cycle. Again, not relaxing!

Life can often be more of the “in the water” experience instead of the “on the shore” experience. God knows this. In Mark 4:37-41 we read an account of Jesus and His disciples in the water:

^“And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?'”
English Standard Version

The truth is God is with us on the shore or in the water. He’s with us when we are scared, He’s with us when we enjoy the beauty of life. Jesus is the one that not only brings comfort to us, but He Himself SAVES us. Life is better lived knowing that Jesus does not think we are small, but He dearly loves and cherishes us. May that truth give you peace today!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado