Receiving God’s Provision by the Sea

Returning to the Water

I started the month back at one of my favorite spots, the beach. My quiet time is usually spent at a park, but this morning was different. I rose with the sun, grabbed my backpack and some boots that could withstand water and sand, and made my way to Ocean Beach.

There’s an Irish coffee shop near the SF Zoo that has the best soda bread served with whipped butter and fresh jam. Snack in tow, I walked down to the water and found myself at opening day of Dungeness crab season! It was awesome seeing the beach lined with fishing poles and folks staking out their spot for a fresh catch.

I found an unobstructed view of the ocean and parked my chair facing those Pacific waves.

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Sitting Still in the Sound of Waves

I took out my journal and began to write:

Hear my prayers, Lord. I’m here sitting, looking at a vast ocean producing wave after wave. It is overcast with sprinkles. The ocean is fearsome. The waves and undertow are strong. The horizon is hidden by dense fog. The sun, completely hidden. But I can rest here, and lay burdens down.

The roar of the ocean is a continuous crash of waters upon endless waters. It hums consistently and swells. No music today, just this. Seagulls flying, wind whipping, the earth beneath my feet packed tight from a receding tide. When water meets earth, the last bit of wave is bubbles and foam. Waterfowl in formation fly overhead. Seen one minute, disappearing into the San Francisco fog the next.

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Seeing Jesus in the Storm

Retreating doesn’t always require sunshine and trails. This gray and moody environment made me imagine Jesus walking on water and how frightening that must have been for the disciples. To be severely tossed about, to nearly lose your boat, and then see Jesus standing there on top of what’s defeating you.

That picture stayed with me. The ocean beneath His feet is the same one that sometimes overwhelms mine.

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Living as a Receiver, Not a Consumer

Every retreat brings a new revelation, and November’s was no different. The Holy Spirit gently whispered: all of life is a gift. Live as a receiver, not a consumer.

Treat invitations as gifts, not events to control. When I try to manage the circumstances myself, ingratitude creeps in. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that ingratitude says to God, “What You provide isn’t enough.”

Perhaps you had a perfect day planned (like quiet and solitude) only to stumble upon Ocean Beach’s busiest day of the year. But in light of God’s goodness, what more could I ask for?

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The Ocean and the Living Water

Like the mighty Pacific roaring back at me, I’m reminded of another body of water that never stops: that living water Jesus promised in John 7:37–39, that shall continuously flow out of my belly. It’s already in me…from Him.

Draw me into Your loving presence, Lord, where I am secure in Your provision. Even if that provision comes wrapped in fog and overcast skies.

This is the day You have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.

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Reflection Invitation

A scripture to read: John 7:37–39

A podcast for your drive: Living Well with Dee and Jenn: How Does God Use Friendship to Form Us?

A song to sing: Your Presence is a Gift, E. Dewey Smith (my favorite song in this season)

A question to ask: Where in my life am I trying to manage what God is inviting me to simply receive?

A prayer to pray:
Lord, teach me to live as a receiver, not a consumer.
When the day doesn’t go as planned, remind me that all of life is a gift from You.
Let gratitude rise like the tide and quiet every anxious thought.
Draw me into Your presence, where I can rest secure in Your provision. Amen.