I live close to the ocean. Really close. About 20 metres. Each day, the tide rolls in and rolls out. Sometimes, the tide calmly rolls in and out. Other times, during storms, the waves are powerful, dragging debris onto the shoreline. The highest tides wash the shoreline clean. There is no way to prevent the tide from coming in or going out. Its unrelenting force is much too powerful.
God’s word is like that. God’s word is ceaselessly powerful. Like the tide, God’s word has moved over the earth and in people’s lives since the beginning of time. There is no controlling the action of God’s word. Sometimes the word acts as a calming influence. Other times, however, God’s word acts as a strong force moving into humanity, revealing the parts of our world and lives that need to be exposed. Through the power of the word, our world and lives are cleansed.
Rest assured, when all seems hopeless, dark or grim, believe that God’s word is not chained but, as throughout all time, remains a powerful active force in our lives and in our world.
Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you that your word is the constant in our ever-changing world. Help us to be aware of and trusting in the action of your word in our world and in our lives. Amen. — JW