It was our last night in Costa Rica. We were together, as a squad, in Jaco for our LDW (leadership development weekend). Month three was coming to an end.
The air was finally cool, and the salty wind was refreshing. There, our squad met on the beach for an evening of worship in the sand.
I was relieved by the fact I was no longer sweating. It was the first moment all weekend I felt comfortable, without perspiration dripping from my forehead.
They began playing guitar; we entered in to a sweet serenade, giving thanks and praises to God.
I decided to walk down the beach, along the water, giving my thoughts some space to wander.
I stopped, looking out into the waves, admiring the beauty. The clouds slowly transformed; warm colors painted the sky. I diligently watched wave after wave; I could stand there for hours spectating how the tide moved.
I eagerly asked God what He wanted to tell me.
“Be quiet, let me show you something”, He replied.
I stood there, waiting.
Suddenly, my squad mate, Rick, walked in front of me. My focus was shattered. Thanks, Rick.
Great, he ruined my view, now I’m distracted. Rick decided to stop, somewhat beside me, to soak in Gods creation as well. I noticed something.
Rick kept turning around. He would stand with his back facing the ocean. He was facing the street, the hotels, the stores, the people. Why was he doing that? Why wasn’t he gazing into the ocean waves?
I wondered, and then continued walking down the beach. I wanted to find a quiet space, alone. There I stood, with no one in sight. God spoke.
“Kerri, turn around”, He whispered.
I turned, with my back towards the ocean – the same way Rick was standing. Why would I want to stand this way? I was on the beach, in Costa Rica; shouldn’t I be taking advantage of the spectacular view?
I could hear the waves, but I was unable to watch them tumble. As I set my focus on the busyness of the town, the city lights and constant movement stole my attention. I was no longer listening to the rushing water.
“Kerri, turn back around”, God proclaimed.
I turned, and thoroughly enjoyed the sight of the ocean; I certainly found it more intriguing than the crowded streets of Jaco. It gave me peace and a fullness in my heart. The sky was dark blue, the water glistened, the moon was rising, the mountains reflected over the shore.
What was God trying to show me?
As I turned back and forth, I was confused.
I waited.
Finally, Jesus spoke.
“Kerri, you so often hear me {the sound of the crashing ocean waves} and you know what I say about you. You hear the truths I speak over you. However, you are turning to others for satisfaction and approval {the busy streets of Jaco}. You won’t believe and know the full picture of what I have to offer you if you keep turning towards the world, with your back towards me.”
WOW.
God is asking me to set my eyes on Him, and His beauty, so I can fully grasp what He has to say.
When my back was towards the ocean, I could only hear the sound of waves {His voice, what He says about me}. When I chose to face the water, I was able to focus, and completely get lost in the authenticity of His goodness.
So often, I turn to people for approval {the streets of Jaco}. I find joy in what others have to say about me. When in reality, what the world says about me is nothing in comparison to what the Lord has to offer.
That night, on the beach, Jesus told me to reset my focus. He calls me beautiful, and in Him, I am enough.
I don’t want to turn to others for the satisfaction.
I want to hear what God says, and I want to see His truths in action.
There’s nothing more pleasurable than seeing the whole picture, taking in every detail He has for me.
Who are you turning to?
Are you just listening and not seeing?
Turn towards Him.
It’s more fulfilling, I promise.
k | k
