by Victoria Heinecke

God’s ways are perfect, even on gray days.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Last week I visited Long Beach Island in New Jersey, a place where I have many childhood memories. I remember the wind, the surf, the seagulls, and the salty air. My father took my brother and me fishing in Little Egg Harbor, in a little boat with no life jackets, and all we caught were blow-fish. There were many days where I laid on the sand, basking in a blanket of warmth from the sun. I’d watch the sun rise over the ocean, and Imagined England on other side of the vast ocean expanse.

All of those memories occurred during the summer.

This visit was different. While it wasn’t cold, it was damp, and windy, and the fog grew thicker as the day progressed.

I took a walk on the beach, and there was no one within eye shot as far as I could see. When I looked out on the ocean, it was blanketed by the clouds. The sound of the waves was the same, and England was still there, but for the moment all I saw was sand, waves, and many broken seashells.

It was beautiful, in a different sort of way.

It reminded me of the spiritual valleys in my life, when my perspective was narrow, and all I could focus on was what I needed to do to get from one day to the next. I couldn’t see very far, but God had a purpose in that. When all of the distractions are removed it’s just God and me, and the brokenness of my life. It’s as if God is saying, “Now that I have your attention…”.

God can create some good growth under these conditions. He uses those times to strengthen us, and to teach us to fully rely on him for our needs. Knowing where our strength comes from enables us to walk with others as they go through their valleys as well.

If we’re looking for it, we see the beauty of his handiwork even on the gloomiest days.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10 ESV

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado