A walk on the beach can help you develop a whole new appreciation of scripture.
I thought about that this morning, as I read the words of Psalm 18 to begin my day in California.
I love you, Lord, my strength;
O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my savior;
My God, my rock where I take refuge;
My shield, my saving strength, my stronghold…
The waves of death rose about me;
The torrents of destruction assailed me…
From on high the Lord reached down and seized me;
He drew me forth from the mighty waters…
Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore. Or Missouri, for that matter.
If you don’t see the ocean in person all that often, the words of the Psalm can bounce off you like so much sea mist: ‘Yeah, yeah…I get it–you got my back, Lord. Thanks for that. Appreciate your faithfulness. etc. etc. etc.’
Spend a little time on the beaches of Sonoma Coast State Park, and you develop a whole new appreciation for the depth of God’s promise to us.
Seems serene, from this safe distance.
The waves can pack a wollop. The ocean really DOES send torrents of potential destruction at you, and on a fairly regular basis. It is an AWESOME power to witness.
And even more awesome to consider how The Lord promises to be with us, constantly, in the face of just such trials in our lives.
With Us Still 
So true John, last year we visited the coast at Santa Cruz and this year at Monterey. Each place is so very different, from rocky to just sand, but all of it reminds me of God’s power. And peace.
Amen, Lisa: The ocean has much to teach us land-lubbing Missourians, eh?
For sure!