“From the rising of the sun to the going down of it and from east to west, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” Psalm 113:3 AMP

I am often found walking the dog along the sea shore. The vastness and power of the ocean before me always brings me closer to Jesus. In this place I can connect with Him away from the hustle and bustle of the world. The awesomeness of His creation penetrates in to my spirit as I listen to the calming sound of the waves gently breaking on the shore.

The sandstone cliffs present a solid boundary between the ocean and the green fields that lead back to civilisation. But standing on the grass and looking out over a calm sea, I often meditate on the words of Psalm 23. “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” And as I close my eyes and breathe in deeply, I form a picture of the green pastures in my mind. Opening my eyes I take in the golden glow of the setting sun, its rays bouncing off the calm waters before me. I breathe in again reciting “He leads me beside still waters.” I chew over these words, and my heart is at peace in the rest of the good shepherd – Jesus.

One evening just a few weeks ago, in this same setting, I imagine Jesus standing next to me as I watch the sun slowly descend toward the horizon. I think of Him bigger than me, so I am like a child standing next to a parent. We watch together silently as the last rays spread out over the water, turning pink then red.

In this place of peace a memory from my past flows gently in to my mind. I am transported back to a birthday party I had aged five or six, I’m not sure. But I was so happy, I was filled with joy. I had friends at my house, we played games, ate jelly and cake – it was fun! Then I remembered them leaving and being left with my mum. She told me it was the worst experience she’d ever had and she vowed, never again would she do such a thing! I remember how in that moment my joy was stolen from me. And sure to her word, I never had another birthday party.

But Jesus is standing with me and He knows what I am thinking and He says to my heart:

“I died for you, you were worth it.”

Tears fill my eyes as I am overwhelmed by feelings of His love for me. I have done nothing to deserve this love and yet He loves me anyway. He died for me before I was born! And He says I was worth it! I had never felt the unconditional love of a parent and now I know what it feels like – now, standing alone on the sea shore I am wrapped up in His tender-hearted embrace. Loved beyond measure.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3.

The sun disappears below the horizon and I stand next to Jesus as a vulnerable child, my heart open to the safe and loving Father. Together we listen to the gentle lapping of the waves in the last light of the day. I wipe away tears of joy that have flowed down my cheeks. I am healed from an old wound in my soul and my heart is filled with so much love. I love you Jesus!

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No greater love is there than the love of Jesus who died for each and every one of us. When we become rooted in what He did for us on the cross, we are freed from the chains that bind us to the trials and suffering of this world.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father thank You for loving us and giving us the gift of Jesus! Thank You Jesus for your cross! We are thankful that just as You are free in heaven, so too are we free here on earth. Let us always remain in the safety of Your loving embrace. In Jesus name, Amen.