By: Carissa Lovvorn
Over spring break, my husband and I took our girls to the beach for a family vacation. During our last full day, a storm system brought in a cold front with strong winds and perfect boogie-boarding waves. While my husband and I tend to be overzealous and “first ones in the water” people, we are cautious parents and decided to use the opportunity to teach the girls about the beach warning flag system. We explained to them that as the water becomes more dangerous the beach patrol changes the flags from yellow, to red, to double red. Double red flags will close the ocean to beachgoers which is what occurred that afternoon. The strong waves lingered the rest of the day and throughout the night.
The next morning, we woke to a different scene. The once turbulent ocean now appeared calm with only small waves gently breaking against the shore. My daughter, ready to get back in the water, darted to the balcony to check the flagpole. “It is so much calmer than yesterday. Why is it still double red-flagged?” she asked. I shrugged my shoulders and assumed that the beach patrol had not had the opportunity to change them over yet and set about my business of packing our luggage for the trip home.
After everything was packed, I sat down and stared out of the window, taking in the view from the 9th floor condo. As the small waves crashed against the sand, I noticed a powerful undercurrent pushing the water back out to sea. Ah…a rip current! That was the reason for the double red-flags. According to the National Weather Service Center, “Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.”
It reminded me of how spiritual life can be at times. We live in a fallen world. Temptation, disappointments, and fear are a few of the trials that we face during our time on Earth. Christians, even strong ones, have things threatening to pull them away from the Father. Some days the current is light and goes unnoticed, but other days it is very strong and hard to fight.
Thankfully, God’s perfect knowledge of us took those moments into account during our creation. King David wrote about this constant presence, “If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:9-10 NKJV) We can rest in the awareness that He is with us always, even when we are swept deeper into spiritual struggles. Just as a lifeguard pulls victims from danger, He will do the same for his children.
King David concludes this psalm with a plea. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
I hope you find comfort in these words and “Happy Spring!”
Many blessings,
By: Carissa Lovvorn
May 3, 2024
