I have recently arrived back home from a week away at the beach with my family. We are “beach people” and it has been our practice to escape to our favorite spot each summer for some quality rest. For me, especially, this is a time and place that I can recharge not only physically but also spiritually. I love waking up in the morning and going out on the balcony of the condo to spend time in the word and prayer as I overlook the vast ocean. There is something about the vastness of the seashore and the ocean depths that draws me closer to my maker. 

This year while my wife and I were wading out in the ocean with my three old son in hand, she looked at me and said, “Do you realize that every year we have made major life plans while standing in the depths of this ocean.” Up to that moment I had never thought about that but the instant she said it I realized how true that was. We began to recall some pretty significant decisions that we have made through the years as we literally stood in the ocean. This year I noticed something even more special and it involves that three year old son I held in my arms. 

Day 1 of entering the ocean he was extremely fearful. He did not even want to dip his toes into the water and screamed to stay on the sand where he was building sandcastles. Day 2 he was still very hesitant but began to feel a little more at ease as he held me tightly with each inch of deeper water that we entered. On day 3 we went out into the chest high depths for me and not only was he comfortable, he laughed and kept saying “watch this” as he splashed the water. What changed? All three days I was holding him tightly in my arms but with each new day his trust in my protection grew stronger and stronger. The ocean current is terrifying to even the most trusting toddler. He knows I love him and have cared for him up to this point in his life but he for all he knew in that moment, the ocean may be too strong for me. I knew, however, that I would not take him deeper than I could handle with him in my arms. 

This image hit me like a ton of bricks. As I watched my own son struggle with trust issues, I realized this is almost an exact mirror of my relationship with the Heavenly Father. God wants me, and you, to enjoy the depths of the oceans of life. He has so much to teach us there and there is great joy to be found along the way. The ocean is a place of life but it also includes some dark moments and definitely waves along the way. As I journey with God out into the depths of life I can often forget to the joy because I am too focused on the waves.

Men, don’t settle for building sandcastles on the shore when God wants to take you deep into the ocean of life. It’s easy to look at the waves of life and wonder if you can trust God but remember that as long as you are held in his arms, he’s got you! Being held in the strong arms of the Father is the greatest place to be and there is joy to be found as you journey deep with him. 

Whatever life may be throwing your way, trust the arms of the Father. When God takes a man deep he has great plans and great joy in store for him. Trust him!