The Diocese of Salisbury

After a Covid restricted house move to Dorset in December and 3 months of only essential travel my family and I were delighted to start our explorations as restrictions eased. Immediately, we were drawn to the coast. Whilst at the coast, enjoying the refreshing nature of a seaside visit I couldn’t help but reflect on the sea and the juxtaposition in my thoughts – a place of calm and serenity and yet a place of storms and deep unknowns. Recognising how the same water-based process brings the excitement of snow and the frustration of rain (although some rain would excite my garden!). I recalled the bible and how water mixed with blood evidenced Jesus’ death yet water of baptism is a sign of new life and in John Jesus offers us ‘rivers of living water.’ Standing, facing the sea, contemplating the varying symbolisms of water a favourite worship song, Oceans by Hillsong United, came to mind:

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown
Where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours
You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed
And You won't start now 

For me, this was a seaside spiritual moment; captivating the contrasts we find in creation and a reflective reminder of God’s grace.
 
Undoubtedly, the sea is my ‘still waters’ ‘where he restoreth my soul’.  The place where I can stand in faith, top up reservoirs of joy and peace that enable the deepest waters to be no more than a gentle paddle.
 
Where is your place? Many things in life call us into deep waters; what name do you call to keep your eyes above the waves?