Waiting for the Tide to Return

 “I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.” —Psalm 69:3 

Nature reflects that feeling of being parched at low tide, when the hot dry sands lie in wait for the tide’s return, as the unseen force of gravity pulls the water away from the shore. The waterline recedes and the sun scorches the sand. We can’t walk barefoot without it burning our soles. Small creatures close off and hide in their shells waiting for the water to return and refresh them.

Life includes a lot of waiting. We wait to grow up, to graduate, for the arrival of babies, for healing, for jobs and resolutions of difficulties. We pray for God’s guidance and patience. We may feel deserted, dried up inside and thirsty for hope. We must trust God will answer and refresh us with living waters.

Psalm 69 begins with waiting, yet ends with hope and praise as the psalmist writes,  “For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.” Waiting includes the common experience of weariness and questioning how long the hard times will last.

For the sands upon the beach, the tide will return, and refreshing will wash over each grain of sand. So, too, God will respond and refresh us. We’ll feel the splashing of joy pouring into our hearts.

Today’s One Thing

Picture the playful splashing of water upon the shore as the tide returns and let it renew your hope, as you trust in God’s timing over a current prayer need.

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