In the first two parts of this visit we spent so long looking at the many interesting things on the beach that we did not notice the tide coming in. Suddenly the water is almost at our feet. What fun it is to run and splash in it! But what makes the tide go in and out? We know that it is under the control of the One of whom David said, “He gathereth the waters of the sea together as a heap: He layeth up the depth in storehouses.” Psalms 33:77He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. (Psalm 33:7).
This is one of the very important things the Lord God designed for the needs of the world. If there were no tides the ocean would long ago have become a stagnant pool with no life in it. The tides, together with the action of the waves, stir up these great bodies of water, mixing them thoroughly and aerating them with life-giving oxygen. They help to maintain just the right conditions for the fish, plants, and all marine life. This is also most important to man and all life on earth, since the sea’s products are vital to us.
To give tides their motion God set the sun, the earth and the moon in exactly the right relationship to each other. The sun aids in setting the tides, but it is principally the moon with its pull of gravity, like a huge magnet, that pulls the water after it as it passes over. It takes the moon 24 hours and 51 minutes to make its circle, providing two high tides each day. This action is so precise that tide tables for any part of the world can be prepared as far in advance as desired. Only divine power could maintain such a system! No wonder the Psalmist said: “I know that the Lord is great... whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.” Psalms 135:5,65For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. 6Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. (Psalm 135:5‑6).
Waves add a great display to the tidal force as they roll in, rise to a crest, break and spill over with a crash. The action of the wind on the surface of the ocean is the principal contributor to the size of these waves, some of which travel hundreds of miles before reaching shore.
Another example of the Creator’s wisdom is also seen in the waves. Moving through the ocean in a rolling action, waves do not push water ahead of them, but transmit their energy to the adjoining water which passes it on in the same way. Otherwise, the water would pile up to tremendous heights and flood the land with great destruction resulting.
How wise is the Lord God, the Creator of heaven and earth. And what wise counsel He has given to all young people: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Ecclesiastes 12:11Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Think about this invitation and place Him above all else in your life, knowing His love and accepting Him as your Saviour and Lord.
ML-05/23/1982