The Beach

I am sitting here at the beach, enjoying the view, and writing this devotional. What a great place to sit, relax, and write a devotional. The beach and sand are great, the sound of waves rolling in is enjoyable, the temperature is very comfortable, the sky is a brilliant blue, the sunrise is a golden glow, and the setting is very relaxing. God sure did do a good job when He created this place.

But even in this place there are problems. My stomach really hurts from my sunburn. Only my stomach got sunburned. But, but …I had a tent! The only thing I can figure is I forgot to spray it with sunscreen to protect it. At least only my stomach was not protected, but it still makes me uncomfortable, and harder to sleep at night.

It reminds me that even in a great, relaxing place such as this we still need sunscreen, and that sunscreen comes in the form of God and His Word (Luke 11:28, “But he replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it!’”)

No matter how comfortable, relaxed, secure, or strong we feel, we still need protection (2 Thess. 3:3, “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”).

God is like the tent we had. The tent is anchored and firm, it is not going anywhere. As long as I am under the tent I am protected, but when I move away from the tent I expose myself, and need protection such as sunscreen. When I wonder away from God I expose myself to sin/evil and need sunscreen, but in the form of God’s word and the Holy Spirit (Eph. 6:10-20, (Spiritual Warfare), “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…”).

And remember, use sunscreen even after you get sunburned or it will get worse.

Psalm 91:14, “The Lord says, ‘Because he is devoted to me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he is loyal to me.’”

Psalm 25:21, “May integrity and godliness protect me, for I rely on you!”

Love You,

Dad