Because of the sun and the moon, there are gravitational pulls on the earth's surface that cause regular movements of the ocean called tides. We're all familiar with high tide and low tide. I was intrigued recently to discover that there is a whole science called "intertidal ecosystems" that considers organisms that live between high and low tides. At low tide these organisms are exposed to air and light and at high tide they live underwater. This is a very harsh environment with dramatic change (hot sun and rough waves) and some remarkable creatures thrive here, including algae, barnacles and some crabs. They often have shells to help them cope and provide built-in shelter.
In a way, we are also intertidal creatures. The larger forces of life that pull each day sometimes bury us with problems and difficulty and, at other times, expose us to harsh treatment and attitudes that cut deep. But we have a God who has fashioned us to cope, and even thrive, between the tides. He is our shield (or shell) and He provides our every need, whether we are covered or exposed. Although we live between the tides, we have been designed to cope...and even flourish because He is with us!
1 Chronicles 16:30-33 God is serious business, take him seriously;
he's put the earth in place and it's not moving.
So let Heaven rejoice, let Earth be jubilant,
and pass the word among the nations, "God reigns!"
Let Ocean, all teeming with life, bellow,
let Field and all its creatures shake the rafters;
Then the trees in the forest will add their applause
to all who are pleased and present before God
—he's on his way to set things right!
blessings,
Rob Smith
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