I heard the roar of the waves….

I’ve always been a scaredy cat though you might not know that about me. I remember the first time I saw the Pacific Ocean and we walked along the beach. Four years old, our family moved to Portland from the Midwest where there are no beaches or ocean. I could hear the calls of the seagulls as they talked to each other above us. The roar of the ocean breakers as they crashed onto the sandy beach. I heard the excited cries of my siblings as they gleefully put their feet into the cold waves and then scooted back from the water. Not me, though. I was scared! I didn’t know the waters would stop and be sucked back. All I knew was the waves were coming and maybe wouldn’t stop. I didn’t enjoy that day because of my fears.

Foamy waters

As a young reader, I learned about tidal waves and I was sure one would encompass our area–100 miles from the ocean! I comforted myself with the fact we could probably climb up high on the roof of the church that was next door and be safe from the waters. Silly me! They were real fears, though. Eventually, I learned I didn’t need to be afraid of the beach waters–though being safe near the ocean is a prudent thing. I also learned a tidal wave most likely wouldn’t come as far inland as our home.

Trust the protection…

I’ve been in lots of fearful places since those childish fears so many years ago. I’ve hiked up tall mountains where it’s so steep you need an ice axe to keep you planted when you stop. If you accidentally drop something–like a glove, or a candy bar, or anything, it will skitter down the slope and be gone to you. I’ve also rappelled from tall rocks. I hated it every time I did it–even though my husband, Bill, assured me I was hooked in properly and he’d safely put the protection in place. “Trust the protection,” he’d tell me. My heart was in my throat as I descended every time. Even after multiple times, I was afraid.

Fear not….

Scarier than rappelling, or slogging up steep slopes, is the uncertainty of life. I know what it’s like for a neurosurgeon to approach you, shake his head and say “There’s no hope.” I can assure you, I was afraid. One of my favorite books in the Bible is Isaiah.  Here’s a passage I’ve taken to heart many times and just this morning:

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters I will be with you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1-4)

It can quiet your thoughts….

It’s really true friends. If we belong to Him, we’re promised that we won’t be alone and we don’t have to fear. I’ve heard distressing news this week. A cousin is having health issues–again. A nephew just found out he has melanoma. A niece who’s battling cancer. I won’t deny there are nigglings of fearful thoughts for them—-and then I read the above Scripture and it quietens my thoughts.

You are not alone…

You are not alone. Put your faith and trust in the One who gave His life for you–you won’t be sorry.