Sand Dollars and Rough Seas

Growing up in California, the one thing I always wanted to find when walking on the beach was a sand dollar. Dozens upon dozens of trips and I never found a single one.

Years later as an adult I remember walking down the beach and praying, "God, if I could only find one sand dollar..." Again, nothing.

On a subsequent trip to Pismo Beach I finally hit the mother load. I began to find sand dollar after sand dollar every couple of steps I took. In light of my find, it's funny how my prayer suddenly changed. "God, if I could only find a sand dollar that isn't broken..."


You see, I was no longer satisfied with just any old sand dollar. In a matter of moments, broken sand dollars were no longer good enough. I had to have whole sand dollars. If I stumbled upon a sand dollar that was broken or cracked, it was tossed right back to the ground. I didn't want it any more.

In my life there have been times when I have been like that broken or cracked sand dollar. Carried by the waves of life and at times even bashed upon the rocks. Battered and scarred, bruised and broken, unattractive to those passing by; not worthy of even their time.

And yet Jesus loves me. He calls me His own. Battered and bruised He draws me close and speaks words of healing to my soul.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
Psalm 34:17-19

Jesus always hears me when I call to Him. He will never leave me. He will never walk away from me. He will never toss me back.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 188:29

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. Psalm 125:2

Lord, I thank you for picking me up and placing my feet upon the firm foundation of You. I thank you that I am no longer being tossed by the seas of life, but am instead clinging to You. You are my Rock, my Shield, my Fortress. You are my ever-present help in my time of need. I am so deep in love with You! You overwhelm me with your love and grace. May I never forget the price that you paid so that I could be called your child. In Jesus name - Amen.