Life on the Pasture

Yesterday afternoon, my wife Ellen and I spent some time at Kohler-Andrae State Park along Lake Michigan. The park holds many memories for us as both of our families would go there when we were growing up. It was a natural spot for us to enjoy during our dating years, and we continued the tradition with our kids. Yesterday, it was just the two of us going up and down sand dunes, swatting mosquitos along the nature trail, and walking along the beach, enjoying the crashing waves and allowing the cool water to wash off our sandy feet.

Over the years, the park has gone through a few changes. Years ago, the park boasted a rather large beach area and a concessions stand. People throwing frisbees and hitting volleyballs would be common, along with sand castles and tanning. Slowly but surely, the big sandy beach gave way to grasses and other plants that drastically limited the beach area. In all honesty, while I appreciate keeping things as natural as possible, I began to get frustrated with the lack of usable beach. But yesterday, my frustrations were literally washed away due to Lake Michigan’s high water level and the resulting erosion. I have never seen the water as high as it is and as many trees toppled with their branches in the water. But the remaining beach, as limited as it is, is all sand, and yesterday it was filled with people tanning, building sand castles, and simply enjoying the lake. 

Psalm 29:3–5, 10-11 (NIV): The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon…. The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.

I usually think of hearing the voice of the Lord as a quiet whisper, much as Elijah heard it in 1 Kings 19. I read the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit leads me to apply something to my life in a very non-dramatic way. But there are times when I need to hear the Lord’s thunderous voice, much like the waves crashing in. I need to behold His power that can swiftly change everything, much as happened to the shoreline at Kohler-Andrae State Park. I need to know that whatever we as humans try to manipulate is ultimately under our Lord’s control. Sometimes it may seem as if that powerful work will never come, but at the right time God will intervene. And the result? Restored joy and peace in His perfect care.

I am trusting Thee for power; Thine can never fail.
Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me Must prevail.

– Pastor Schmidt