Discovering the Vast Ocean
Recently, I took my almost-two-year-old to the beach for the first time. Watching her discover the vast ocean was truly a sight to behold. As we walked along the boardwalk she giggled at the bumpy logs. Then, as we moved on, she became curious about walking on the sand. It didn’t take long for her to notice the shells. She bent down and took such delight in the fact that I was encouraging her to touch them.
Then the sand began to get wet…all of a sudden she noticed the ocean. She looked out at the unending water and was amazed. She giggled and walked toward it, thrilled when the water splashed over her feet. Her eyes remained fixed on the immensity of the ocean. There was no end in sight, only water. She’d never seen something so big before. Something as big as the ocean.
As her mom, there was so much to think about as I watched her in that moment, but there was one thought that rang over the rest:
“How deep the Father’s love for us. How vast beyond all measure.”
As Romans 5:8 tells us,
“But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
It’s a truth I so often forget to savor. That God loved me enough to let his son die for me. Honestly, it’s impossible to wrap my mind around what that even means. That sort of love is not something we know on this earth. The ocean, so vast that it’s impossible to see its entirety in one view, reminds me of God’s immeasurable love. The love God has for us is so deep, so wide, so all-encompassing that we can’t wrap our minds around it here on earth, for it’s too great.
“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is…”
Ephesians 3:18
Redeemed by the Son
On our own, we are full of fault–too dirty to be in God’s perfect presence. He sent his Son to this earth to redeem us. Jesus gave his life on the cross so that we could be made clean and pure before the Lord and live in his glorious presence for eternity. It’s a gift we could never earn or deserve–even the most “perfect” Christian you know is undeserving of God’s great grace. Salvation is given out of grace, mercy, and love.
I’m not sure where you are on your walk with God, but friend, God loves YOU so much! Have you discovered his love for you yet? If not, we’d love to help you find it. (Please send us a message or comment below if you’d like to know more.)
If you have discovered and accepted his love, are you remembering his love often? Are you taking time to dwell on it? I’m not sure I meditate on God’s love enough, but I’m thankful for the reminders He so gently gives me.
Message of Love
I love the worship song, “How Deep the Father’s Love.” It’s a beautiful reminder of how God demonstrated his personal love for us. I want to stand in wonder of God’s love the way my daughter stood in wonder of the water. Witnessing the amazement in my daughter’s eyes as she discovered God’s great ocean was a reminder to me of God’s vast love for us.
If you have a moment, I encourage you to listen to “How Deep the Father’s Love.” The video I’m attaching is an a capella version by Keith Lancaster and the Acapella Company. If you don’t have time to listen, you can read through the lyrics below. Even if you’ve heard the song hundreds of times, the message is a beautiful one. It’s the message of God’s great love. With a sweet message like that on your heart, you’ll be able to create a great day for sure!
How Deep the Father’s Love
Click HERE to hear “How Deep the Father’s Love”.
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss–
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life–
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart–
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Be encouraged by these posts as well!
- When God Calls Us to Do the Impossible Things - March 2, 2020
- Look to Him - February 17, 2020
- Thoughts From the Mom Who Needs Grace - December 16, 2019
That was special to experience the ocean through your daughter. Yes Gods love is so vast, thanks for the reminder.
That is such a beautiful version of the song! It is at times completely overwhelming in the best kind of way when I sit in the understanding of God’s love for me! It evokes a sense of calm and joy all at the same time. I also love taking my children into parts of nature that they have never been before and experience through their eyes. So precious!
I’ve been trying to grasp His love for me. To be loved unconditionally and forever in the same amount is truly mind-boggling!
I live 10 minutes from the ocean and every time I see it I think about these verses. <3 It's so beautiful and represents God so well.
I cannot fathom witnessing Jesus’s crucifixion and to think of how much pain He must have experienced on that day! And for Him to willingly go to His death for us, truly leaves me in wonder at how much He loves us- just as one sees the ocean or mountains for the first time, it steals the breath away!