“There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.” – Psalm 104:25-26
I’m checking the news and what do I see but an article that a shark was caught off Assateague Island. I turn on the TV and there’s a documentary about the making of Jaws. Another station is running Shark Week. I may not watch TV or read the news until the fall.
I’ve always lived near the ocean. The ocean is immense, impressive and intimidating. The creatures in it are likewise the same. God created it all. The Bible reminds us to look to nature for God’s creativity as well as His wisdom. But I don’t know why He created sharks.
It all goes back to an experience I had at the age of 9. We were on our boat out in the ocean. My parents & grandparents were fishing and we kids were just roaming around on the deck when we heard screaming. We look around and there was a row boat with 2 teenage boys in it being attacked by a shark longer than the boat! (First of all, whatever possessed them to go into the ocean in a rowboat!??) Talk about praying! I prayed and prayed and prayed. God’s hand, grace and mercy were with all of us that day. Five other boats, about the same size as ours, heard the screams. We all backed up and circled the rowboat and got the boys safely onto one of the boats.
I still do love going to the ocean. I find the rhythm of the waves hitting the beach soothing and healing. Watching a sunset is inspiring. All of it reminds me of how awesome God’s creations are. However, I’ll watch it from the sandy beach.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for all your magnificent creations. May we always remember to treat all your creations with respect and care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
