We love going to the beach. There is one we frequent more than others, and even with the familiarity of the parking lot and the boardwalk, the initial display of the ocean is always a delight. We have walked out to face a sheet of silver so clear and still that the Atlantic looks like a shimmering lake. We have walked out to see that sheet buckle and foam; huge waves that rile and lurch from the depths beneath. My kids have stood on the shore to revel in the angry crash of the waves as they hurl them against the sand. Time and time again the waves crash, and each time my kids fall and roll in the sand from the force. They stand sputtering, drenched and spitting sand, but they laugh and face the waves to be thrown and tossed again.

We have visited the beach when shells are plentiful and clink against each other as they roll back and forth in hallowed chimes. We have seen when tides are high, and the water devours and erodes the sand of the shore and pulls it out to sea. During low tide, we have found trash and treasures; climbed reefs and snorkeled among colorful wide-eyed fish. As I have followed and enjoyed the delights of my children, I have come to know the beach and its variety, and it has been a balm to my soul.

In 1834, Edward Mote penned the hymn On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand. This week I thought of life and our culture with its fleeting values; its clash of definitions; and its hopes and joys which often give way to disappointments, loss and despair. Our stories of joy or pain, our seasons of hope or despair ebb and flow like the tides of the sea. Life can be hard; people can be cruel. So, what is this solid rock that Mote looked to? What is the sure footing that Christ offers? God’s Word announces his goodness to us:

He gives us peace. (John 14:26-27) He never leaves us alone. (Deuteronomy 31:8) He forgives us without condemnation. (John 3:16-17) He does good for us. (Romans 8:26-28) He adopts us as his own. (Galatians 4:5-6) He gives us a new perspective. (1Peter 3:8-12)

Occasionally, I find myself standing on a rock while we are on the beach, my toes curling around the solid shape of its nooks and crannies. Waves may crash and sand may shift but the rock remains in place. I cannot imagine standing in this place during the full force of a storm. Living in Florida, we know storms, and we know that the beach gives a full view of their force and rage that it is dangerous to witness in person.

In every rough and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the vale. When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay

There are some storms we cannot run from. There are some that we must stand and face, and even then, God is faithful to hold us and keep us rooted in Him. I would encourage you, whatever you face today to ask God to be your anchor. He has promised to be our strength and guide if we let him. Ask him to show you His goodness to you in the midst of it all.

On Christ the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.