Listening to Ocean Waves and Red Flags.

“Remember what it says: “Today when you hear his voice…”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬a ‭NLT

“I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭85‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Vacation is here! Before everyone got up, I decided to take a jog down the beach. Well, in all honesty, it was more of a slow trot with some walking mixed in. It was harder than I thought it would be, but I got it done!

Afterward, I sat out on the balcony and spent some time reading and journaling while watching and listening to the waves roll onto the shore. It was so peaceful. Even though the cool ocean breeze was blowing pretty hard, I could still hear the sound of the waves crashing. So relaxing.

The sun was shining bright, but we probably won’t be getting into the ocean today because of the strong tides. It’s a double red flag 🚩🚩 day.

I’ll come back to that in a moment.

As I sat there enjoying the peaceful sounds of the ocean, I felt the Spirit say, “Jacob, if you would listen to Me more, you would have more peace.”

As I thought about that statement, I realized that much of the chaos and stress in my life comes from not listening to God. I thought about all the times I lacked peace, and often it was because I ignored God’s warnings—you know, those red flags 🚩🚩.

Every morning, the beach authorities determine whether it is safe to enter the ocean. When there are double red flags flying, it means stay out! The danger is real, even if you can’t see it from the shore.

God does the same thing in my life through the Holy Spirit. Time and time again, He warns me about things that will only bring chaos, stress, and heartache. He sees dangers ahead that I cannot see.

As I sat on the balcony listening to the waves, I began to wonder: What if I listened to God’s voice the same way I was listening to the ocean? What if I tuned my heart to Him with that same attentiveness?

How much more peaceful would my life be?

When God directs my life and shows me warning signs, I need to listen. He knows what’s ahead of me. He sees what I cannot see. Just as those red flags on the beach are there for my protection, God’s warnings are given for my good.

I need to listen to God’s voice more.

I need more peace in my life.

How about you? Do you listen to the red flags?

Prayer

Lord, help me listen to Your voice as You guide my life. Give me the wisdom to recognize Your warnings and the courage to obey them. As I follow Your direction, fill my heart with the peace that only You can give. Amen.