Tides by David Jeremiah

Monday, September 11

Tides 

He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. 
1 Corinthians 7:32 

Recommended Reading 1 Corinthians 7:32-35

More than thirty years ago, a storm swept the sand from a beach on the Irish island of Achill, leaving nothing but rock pools. Hotels closed as tourists stopped coming. This year, record tides caused the sand to reappear. Suddenly the beach was back again for the first time since 1984. Tourists are returning.

In life, the tide goes out and comes in. Sometimes our world is filled with friends, family, and fellowship; other seasons are lonelier. But even when we tread among rocks, there’s a charm and beauty to life. Loneliness leads to reflection; and when we reflect on the goodness and nearness of God, we find comfort.

In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul listed the advantages of those who are unmarried. They don’t have to concern themselves with caring for a spouse; they can devote themselves fully to pleasing the Lord.

If you feel alone in some way, think of the Lord as your closest friend, your constant companion, and your abiding comfort. He will never leave or forsake you; and as we follow Him faithfully, He always turns the tide in our direction.

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.
Harriet Beecher Stowe