When ripples flow through a body of water it’s an action that can never fully be captured. The origin of its beginning may be known or unknown but the result of its broken quality is endless. Even if we can’t see movement or it appears the waters are perfectly still we can be sure underneath there is still movement somewhere. Ripples are created in water due to an unexpected force which causes the waters flow to change direction.
Over the weekend we visited a small waterfall located near my in-laws house. Tucked away amidst a country road stood a small waterfall. As soon as we got out of the car my ears were parked at the sound of the raging waters. As we walked closer and closer the noise grew stronger and the ripples deeper and wider. The location of its beginning is unknown to me and others but instead all we can see is the result of the brokenness. The ripples that are represented are due to the brokenness along the path that the waters have traveled. As I stood taking in the beauty of the moment I started thinking of how regardless of how hard we tried it would be humanly impossible to completely calm the movement of those raging waters. Even if the waters stopped instantly the integrity of the ground beneath, the foundation has forever been changed.
It hit me in that moment that our lives are a lot like this, we are formed for a designated purpose but along the way unexpected trials and circumstances pop up and cause ripples within our hearts and souls that penetrate deep and last longer than we can imagine. We may feel that the waters within us are calm but it’s impossible to fully see the impact the pain has caused. As humans we are imperfect, weak, broken and messy and on our own we will fail time and time again. Satan will diligently use the things of this world to cause an uproar within our souls. Like that small waterfall tucked secretly away in a small section of country roads you may never even know the chaos going on beneath the beautiful landscaping but as you hike through the layers of outside beauty the raging waters are uncovered. You may look like you have it all together, you may feel like you’re doing great and life is good but then all it takes is for one small rock to be thrown into the waters of your heart to stir within you a raging battle. It may seem like no big deal but after a while you realize that regardless of how much time passes or effort you put in its humanly impossible to calm the waters within your heart on your own.
The comforting thing is that Christ is the author of hope and peace and regardless of how difficult your circumstances may appear He can always calm the waters within your heart. Because He loves us more than anything and sent His son Jesus to die for the ripples of our trials and brokenness when we call on His name instantly the waters are instructed to stop and the movement on the surface and deep down beneath what’s easily visible are made still.
Jesus You are stronger
More than any other
Hallelujah what a savior
Jesus You are higher
My soul´s deepest desire
Hallelujah what a savior
You are the shepherd king
You lead us by still waters
Hallelujah You are savior
You are my only hope
Your kindness is my friend
In Your presence You restore us
More than any other
Hallelujah what a savior
Jesus You are higher
My soul´s deepest desire
Hallelujah what a savior
You are the shepherd king
You lead us by still waters
Hallelujah You are savior
You are my only hope
Your kindness is my friend
In Your presence You restore us
These words are a soothing salve to my heart today and a reminder that even when we can’t grasp the ability to calm the raging waters within our hearts we are loved by an almighty, omnipotent, loving, gracious God who can instruct the chaos within our hearts to be still instantly on our behalf. Today I submit the ripples to Him and seek His peace and calmness in the midst of the chaos. I trust in restoration, redemption and healing and know whatever things of this life try to get in the way and cause a detour in the journey that He has planned for us He is still bigger than any negativity or obstacle Satan tries to throw along our paths. Thank You Jesus for Your peace tonight and for always loving me in spite of the chaos and brokenness.
Psalm 46
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas,
Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early [at the dawn of the morning].
The nations raged, the kingdoms tottered and were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our Fortress and High Tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations and wonders in the earth.
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire.
Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
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